
BflokJ^SMSlIS 



^™rf^«?(m^**} HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES {^N^J'am'^ 



WILLIAM GAY BROWN, Jr. 

{ Late a Representative from West Virginia ) 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 






DELIVERED IN THE 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE 

OF THE UNITED STATES 

SIXTY-FOURTH CONGRESS 



Proceedings in the House 
April 16, 1916 



Proceedings in the Senate 
February 25, 1917 



PREPARED L'NDER^THE DIRECTION OF 
THE JOINT COM\iiTTEE ON PRINTING 



Wo I 2- 




WASHINGTON 
1917 




IS 1X5- 



T)J of ^■«' 
f^AY t6 1918 






TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 

Proceedings in the House 5 

Prayer by Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D 6, 8 

Memorial addresses by — 

Mr. Adam B. Littlepage, of West Virginia 11 

Mr. Martin D. Foster, of Illinois 14 

Mr. William A. Cullop, of Indiana 16 

Mr. Champ Clark, of Missouri 20 

Mr. Joseph J. Russell, of Missouri 22 

Mr. James R. Mann, of Illinois 25 

Mr. Everis A. Hayes, of California 27 

Mr. J. Thomas Heflin, of Alabama 30 

Mr. Edward W. Saunders, of Virginia 32 

Mr. Howard Sutherland, of West Virginia 36 

Mr. Ezekiel S. Candler, of Mississippi 38 

Mr. M. M. Necly, of West Virginia 43 

Mr. Claude Kitchin, of North Carolina 47 

Mr. James F. Byrnes, of South Carolina 51 

Mr. Samuel M. Taylor, of Arkansas 53 

Mr. Edward W. Cooper, of West Virginia 57 

Mr. James S. Davenport, of Oklahoma 60 

Mr. William A. Ashbrook, of Ohio 63 

Proceedings in the Senate 67 

Memorial addresses by — 

Mr. William E. Chilton, of West Virginia 71 

Mr. William Hughes, of New Jersey 81 

Mr. Moses E. Clapp, of Minnesota 83 

Mr. John W. Kern, of Indiana 86 

Mr. Jas. Hamilton Lewis, of Illinois 88 

Resolution of the West Virginia Society of the District of 

Columbia _ _ (j4 



[3] 




HON. WILLIAM G. BROWN,aR- 



a hiUr 



DEATH OF HON. WILLIAM GAY BROWN, Jr. 



Proceedings in the House 

Thursd.w, March 9, 1916. 

Mr. Neely. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heav>' heart that I 
announce to the House the death of our colleague and 
fellow worker, Hon. William G. Brown, Jr., of West Vir- 
ginia. 

At a later date I shall ask the House to set aside a day 
to pay appropriate tribute to his life, character, and pub- 
lic services. 

I send to the Clerk's desk and ask for the immediate 
consideration of the following resolution. 

The Sfe.\ker. The Clerk will report the resolution. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

House resolution 162 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
the death of Hon. William G. Bhown, Jr., a Representative from 
the State of West Virginia. 

Resolved, That a committee of the House, with such Members of 
the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be authorized 
and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying 
out the provisions of these resolutions, and that the necessary 
expenses in connection therewith be paid out of the contingent 
fund of the House. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

The resolution was agreed to; and the Speaker ap- 
pointed as the committee on the part of the House Mr. 
Neely, Mr. LitUepage, Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Moss of West 

[5] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

Virginia, Mr. Cooper of West Virginia, Mr. Glass, Mr. 
Candler of Mississippi, Mr. Foster, Mr. Phelan, Mr. 
Saunders, Mr. Woods of Iowa, Mr. Lindbergh, Mr. Porter, 
Mr. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Taylor of Arkansas, Mr. Tilson, 
Mr. Riordan, Mr. Conry, Mr. Piatt, Mr. Russell of Missouri, 
Mr. Hayes, and Mr. Rucker. 

The Speaker. The Chair will state to the House that the 
funeral train will leave the Union Station at 12.40 to- 
morrow night and that the sleeping cars will be open at 
10 p. m. 

Mr. Neely. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following resolution. 

The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. 

The Clerk read as follows : / 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect this House do now 
adjourn. , 

The resolution was agreed to; accordingly (at 4 o'clock 
and 30 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until to- 
morrow, Friday, March 10, 1916, at 12 o'clock noon. 

Friday, March 10, 1916. 
The House met at 12 o'clock noon. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
following prayer : 

Almighty Father, the same yesterday, to-day, and for- 
ever, whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, our 
•hearts are profoundly moved by the visitation into the 
congressional home of that strange and mysterious change 
which we call death. The eyes that looked into ours are 
closed, the lips that answered to our call are stilled, the 
hand that clasped ours with warmth and affection re- 
sponds no more to our touch. 

To whom shall those who loved him go but to Thee for 
consolation and comfort? Thou gavest life and Thou hast 
taken it away. Enlarge our faith and make bright our 
hopes that we may be assured that life is stronger than 

[6] 



Proceedings in the House 



death; that lovo, the crown of all humanity, lives on for- 
ever. The sands of life run swiftly; help us, therefore, to 
work while it is yet day, for the night cometh when no 
man can work. May all that was strong, pure, noble in 
his character be an inspiration to us. And O God, our 
Father, bring us all at last into one of Thy many mansions, 
that we may dwell together where love shall be the ruling 
passion, through Him who taught us the continuity of life. 
Amen. 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. 
Porter] has notified the Chair that he can not attend the 
funeral services of the late Representative Brown, of 
West Virginia, and the Chair appoints the gentleman from 
Indiana, Mr. Cullop, to take his place. 

The gentleman from New York [Mr. Piatt] has notified 
the Speaker that he can not attend the funeral of Mr. 
Brown, of West Virginia, and the Chair appoints Mr. 
Austin, of Tennessee, in his place. 

Mr. Austin. Mr. Speaker, it will be impossible for me 
to attend, because I am interested in the Borland amend- 
ment. 

The Speaker. If the gentleman from Tennessee can not 
attend, the Chair will appoint the gentleman from Ver- 
mont, Mr. Greene. 

Wednesday, March 29, 1916. 

Mr. Neely. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for 
the present consideration of the following resolution, 
which I send to the desk and ask to have read. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

House resolution 188 

Resolved, That Sunday, the 16th day of April, 1916, at 12 
o'clock, be set apart for addresses upon the life, character, and 
public services of Hon. William G. Brown, Jr., late a Representa- 
tive from the State of West Virginia. 

[7] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

The Speaker. Is there objection to the present consid- 
eration of the resolution? 

There was no objection. 

The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the reso- 
lution. 

The resolution was agreed to. 

Thursday, April 13, 1916. 
The Speaker. The Chair designates Mr. Neely, of West 
Virginia, to preside on Sunday at the memorial exercises 
respecting the late Mr. Brown, of West Virginia 

Sunday, April 16, 1916. 

The House met at 12 o'clock noon and was called to 
order by Mr. Neely as Speaker pro tempore. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Gouden, D. D., offered the 
following prayer: 

Eternal God, our heavenly Father, we praise and mag- 
nify Thy holy name for all the gifts Thou hast bestowed 
upon us which differentiate man from all Thy creative acts 
by his intellectual, moral, and spiritual endowments, 
which hold him close to Thee, and fill him with longings, 
hopes, and aspirations which lift him even to the throne 
of Thy divinity. For faith, hope, love, " faith the sub- 
stance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not 
seen"; hope, the polar star which guides the traveler on 
his way; love, the bond which time nor space can sever, 
the earnest of the immortality of the soul. 

We meet here to-day because our hearts have been 
touched by the untimely death of a noble man, whose life 
was fraught with great thoughts and great deeds; a pa- 
triot, a philanthropist, a follower of the Jesus of Nazareth, 
a man beloved by all who knew him; wise in his counsels, 
tender in his affections, a friend to those in need; a man 



[8] 



Proceedings in the House 



of affairs, untiring in his duties on the; tloor of this House. 
He will be missed in his home, in his community, his dis- 
trict, his State, his Nation. We mourn his going and 
would record oa the .pages of history liis life, character, 
and deeds, that his example may be a beacon light to 
guide us and those who shall come after us to high and 
noble living. May his colleagues and friends, his bereaved, 
beloved wife and daughters find solace in the blessed 
promises of the immortality of the soul, and look forward 
with bright anticipations to the larger life beyond the 
confines of the now, where there shall be no more parting, 
and where God shall wipe all tears from all faces and love 
be the ruling passion forever and aye, in Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. Amen. 

Mr. KiTCHiN. Mr. Speaker, since many Members thought 
these ceremonies would take place next Sunday instead of 
to-day, I ask unanimous consent that any Member have 
the privilege of extending remarks in the Record on the 
life, character, and public services of our deceased col- 
league, the late Representative Brown, of West Virginia. 

The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from North 
Carolina asks that all Members have leave to extend re- 
marks in the Record on the life, character, and public 
services of our deceased colleague. Is there objection? 

There was no objection. 

The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will report the 
special order for the day. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

On motion of Mr. Neely, liy unanimous consent, 

Ordered, That Sunday, April 16, 1916, be set apart for addresses 
upon the life, character, and public services of lion. William G. 
Brown, Jr., late a Representative from the State of West Virginia. 

Mr. LiTTLEPAGE. Mr. Speaker, I offer the following reso- 
lution and move its adoption. 

[9] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from West 
Virginia offers a resolution which the Clerk will report. 
The Clerk read as follows : 

House resolution 204 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that 
opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of Hon. 
William G. Brown, Jr., late a Member of this House from the State 
of West Virginia. 

Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory 
of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished public 
career, the House, at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand 
adjourned. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
Senate. 

Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the 
family of the deceased. 

The resolution was agreed to. 



[10] 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Address of Mr. Littlepage, of West Virginia 

Mr. Speaker: Wc are assembled in this Hall of the 
House of Representatives in the Capitol of this Nation to 
pay our last tribute to the life's efforts and the memory 
of a distinguished Member of this American Congress, 
who departed this life on the 9th day of March, 1916. 

In the death of Hon. William G. Brown the second 
district of West Virginia suffered an irreparable loss. 
In fact, the entire State of West Virginia and this Nation 
thereby suffered a very great loss. I had the honor to 
enter this House as a Member and to take the oath of 
office as a Representative from tlie third congressional 
district of West Virginia at the same time Mr. Brown 
entered as a Representative from the second district of 
West Virginia. Prior to that time, while we knew each 
other, our acquaintance was not as close as it became 
from the beginning of our service here, and in paying 
this last tribute to the memorj' of this good man senti- 
ment and justice impel me to say that I found him dur- 
ing all the vicissitudes, the turmoil, and pleasures of his 
busy official life a lliorough, polished gentleman, a hard 
worker, a faithful friend, and an industrious public 
servant. 

He was indeed a very charitable man, especially to the 
poor and unfortunate. I lis public relations here with 
the membership of this House have always been of the 
most cordial, courteous, and elevating character. He 
loved his district, his State, and his Government. He 
was essentially an American; yes, an American in the 
broadest sense of that great word. His love for his 

[11] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

Government and his Government's institutions, as shown 
by his course as a public man, was uppermost in his 
mind and heart. The Members of this House, regard- 
less of partisan politics, looked upon him as a friend and 
loved him as a just, patriotic man. 

Our official relations and personal friendships improved 
from the first day of our service in this House until that 
friendship ripened and became one of affection. Our 
offices were in the same corridor of the House Office 
Building, and I know something about the way he labored 
for the people who honored hinj by electing him to Con- 
gress three consecutive times, and I know he was an 
honor to the people not only of his district, but all of 
the people of his State and mine. Late and early have I 
seen him at work. His office was a beehive of industry — 
hundreds of his constituents coming and going to see 
him; and to every one, whether they voted for or against 
him, he extended the glad hand of welcome. I have 
known of many of his constituents whom he befriended 
in more ways than one, often in a financial way, and I 
have no doubt, from his known qualities of liberality, 
that it will require many thousands of dollars to tell the 
true story of his charitj^ 

William Gay Brown was born on April 7, 1856, in 
Kingwood, Preston County, W. Va., and died in the Capi- 
tal of his Nation. He leaves a widow and infant daughter, 
and also a daughter by a former marriage. 

One notable and characteristic feature of his usefulness 
and noble life was the great love he constantly bore for 
his mother. She lived to quite an old age at the old family 
homestead in Kingwood. He often talked with me about 
his mother before her death, which occurred on the 8th 
day of February, 1913, and he talked with me about her 
since her death. By her death he was dealt a staggering 
blow and seemed never to have gotten over it. 

[12] 



Address of Mr. Littlepage, of West Virginia 

1 had the honor to bo clioscn as a member oi' the com- 
iJTittee to go with his remains from this city to Kingwood, 
where they were buried, and had the membership of this 
House and the people who knew him here witnessed the 
outpouring of his neighbors and the sadness which seemed 
to pervade the whole community, and heard the expres- 
sions of friendship, good will, and love cherished for him 
by his neighbors and those who knew him best, I am sure 
the respect for him here would, if possible, be increased. 

It is sad to contemplate, Mr. Speaker, that he was taken 
from us so suddenly, and that he has gone forever. In 
the midst of a busy and a useful life he was cut down and 
fell like a might}^ oak of the forest to arise no more. No 
more shall we hear his voice in this Chamber; never again 
will we be able to grasp his friendly hand. He has gone to 
his final reward, leaving a memory cherished as few have 
been. His splendid spirit, so worthy, so noble and in- 
spiring, has taken its flight to a better world, there to dwell 
with his loved ones gone before. Tender memories cluster 
around his empty chair in this House of sadness to-day, 
and these sacred memories, in part compensating for his 
loss and absence, will be cherished evermore by those who 
knew him, and to have known him was to love him. 

He was prepared and not afraid to die. His only con- 
cern in this respect was for his loved ones left behind. 
"With hearts full of sorrow and sympathy for his widow, 
who was so faithful to her distinguished and beloved hus- 
band even unto death, and to his two children, we, in this 
hour of distress and genuine sadness, offer our con- 
dolence and renew our promise and bond of friendship to 
and for them while life lasts. 



[13] 



Address of Mr. Foster, of Illinois 

Mr. Speaker: It was my good fortune to serve on a 
committee of this House with Hon. William G. Brown, 
late a Representative from the State of West Virginia. 
He was known by all the members of the committee as a 
faithful, honest, hard-working Representative. 

Mr. Brown was most respected by the people with whom 
he was best acquainted and where he had lived all his life. 
Close association and frequent meeting of a man under 
the varied conditions of life shows best what there is in 
him, and he is best judged by what he does in everyday 
life. Mr. Brown's life was an open book to those who 
knew him and no one had complaint to make of his ac- 
tion as a representative of the people by whom he was so 
much honored and respected. He was faithful and de- 
voted to the people of the congressional district which he 
represented in this House. He was always unassuming 
and went about his work in a quiet way, determined to 
give the most efficient service that was possible. He was 
a man of whom it could be truly said, the world was bet- 
ter because he had lived a good and useful life, and it 
was a loss when he was taken away. 

On March 27, 1916, the committee on wliich he was a 
member passed resolutions with reference to the life, char- 
acter, and services of this distinguished man, and I ask 
that these resolutions be read from the Clerk's desk. 

The Speaker pro tempore. The Clerk will read the reso- 
lutions. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

William G. Brown, Jr., Representative of the second congres- 
sional district of West Virginia in the National House of Repre- 
sentatives, was born at Kingwood, Va. (later West Virginia), April 
7, 1856, and died in Washington, D. C, stricken in the midst of 

[14] 



Address of Mr. Foster, of Illinois 



his varied Icgislafive dutits, Marcli 'J, TJIO. One of his olhcial 
connections as a Mcniher of this House was an assignment to the 
Committee on Mines and Mining, which committee, profoundly 
sensible of its loss and reflecting on the valuable services and 
afl'able companionship of the deceased member, at a meeting held 
considered and adopted the following resolutions for presentation 
to the House April 16, 191G: 

"Whereas death, on swift and silent feet, unheralded and unan- 
nounced by any warning, has come to this committee and 
taken away one of its most highly valued and beloved mem- 
bers; and 
** Whereas, in the passing from among us of the Hon. William G. 
Brown, Jr., this committee experiences a sense of shock and 
bereavement and loss by his death: Be it, therefore, 
"Resolved, That this committee, in so far as it is able to trans- 
late its feelings of personal loss through the medium of the written 
word, lay this sincere but all too insufTicient tribute upon the altar 
of the cherished memory of a colleague whose services to his 
country and to this committee were of a high order, whose genial 
and whole-souled personality, whose gentlemanly qualities and 
uniform courtesy at all times won him a warm and affectionate 
regard and esteem in the hearts of the members of this body. 
' Junior ' Brown, as he was lovingly called by all who knew him, 
as a Member of the Sixty-second, Sixty-third, and Sixty-fourth 
Congresses showed to his newly made associates those sterling 
qualities of mind and heart which enabled him to achieve success 
in the financial, political, and social life of his native Slate and 
gave him a commanding and heroic place in the hearts of his 
fellow West Virginians. He was a popular and highly respected 
figure throughout his own State, as he was a Member of the House 
and of this committee. He brought to his oflicial duties in Con- 
gress a broad experience, a matured, equably balanced judgment, 
a high sense of honor and integrity, and a lofty patriotism which 
quickly gained for him the recognition and appreciation from his 
colleagues that he so richly deserved. 

" Resolved, therefore. That these resolutions be communicated 
to the House and that a copy thereof be transmitted to the family 
of the deceased." 



924-JO'— 17 2 [15] 



Address of Mr. Cullop, of Indiana 

Mr, Speaker : William Gay Brown, Jr., late a Represen- 
tative from the State of West Virginia, was one of the 
most genial and lovable men I have ever known. He was a 
prince among men and a courtly knight among women. 
His affable manners and pleasing disposition made him a 
favorite in every assemblage in which he formed a part. 

Born of good parentage, reared amid pleasing environ- 
ments, surrounded with the advantages of culture and 
refinement, trained in business affairs by parents who had 
earned success as the result of ability, industry, and 
sagacity, he was well equipped for the battles of life and 
prepared to successfully grapple with the questions he 
would necessarily be called upon to meet and solve in his 
career. 

His father was a noted lawyer in his day in the coin- 
munity in which he lived, a man of strong will power, 
courage, and determination, shrewd in business affairs, 
and popular among his people. He served several terms 
in Congress, was the author of the enabling act creating 
West Virginia a sovereign State, and because of this dis- 
tinguished service was often called the " Father of West 
Virginia." 

His mother was a most admirable person, strong char- 
acter, sagacious in business affairs, and a most lovable 
woman. Mr. Brown often spoke of her in the most af- 
fectionate manner. 

I first met Mr. Brov*^n at the opening of the Sixty-second 
Congress, the beginning of his congressional service. We 
became warm friends and associates at once and so re- 
mained until his death, which I keenly felt and which 
came as a great shock to me. 

[16] 



Address of Mr. Ctllop, of Indiana 



When I last saw him, about five weeks before his death, 
he was in splendid spirits, having just recovered from a 
temporary illness. He apj)eared as one who had the 
assurance of regained health and a long and useful life. 
He impressed me on that occasion as a supremely happy 
and contented man. As he appeared at that lime no one 
would have suspected the end of life with him was only 
a few weeks distant. 

I doubt if any Member of this House enjoyed the loyal 
friendship of his constituency to such a degree as he did. 
He represented a district with at least three thousand ma- 
jority opposed to his political faith, and yet despite tliis 
large majority in a united party he was elected three times 
in succession to a seat in this body, when in each race the 
strongest man the opposition had was pitted against him. 
This is ample proof of his popularity, his high standing 
among the people of his district, and the regard in which 
he was held by them. Because of his attractive person- 
ality and strong individuality, men, irrespective of party, 
were bound to him as with bands of steel. To know him 
was to admire him; once his friend always his friend. 

1 have seen men from his district meet him here and 
greet him with manifestations of fondest regard and af- 
fection. At times it was touching to see and hear their 
manifestations of regard for him. He had a warm place 
in their hearts, and they were ever ready to show evi- 
dence of their confidence in and display their loyalty to 
him. Here is the explanation for his success at elections, 
the reason for his strength. His popularity was easily un- 
derstood when you once knew him. It was earned by 
his warm and generous nature, his uniform kindness to 
all with whom he came in contact, his broad and liberal 
views, courteous conduct, and unselfish disposition. 

Generous to the needj', devoted to the welfare of all, 
he earned and won the confidence of the people he served. 



[17] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

because he served them well, and in him they knew they 
had a loyal and devoted friend, a champion of their cause. 

In life he added to the joys of humanity, and were 
everyone this day for whom he did some kind service 
to bring flowers to his grave it would be hidden beneath 
a mountain of the richest and rarest blossoms. 

Life is a short span between the cloud-covered peaks 
of two eternities. Beyond them we know not. No one 
has ever heard the voice of one who has journeyed across 
the perilous divide, and no being has ever returned from 
the eternal abode to tell of its mysteries; but a sublime 
faith in the wisdom of our Creator as the great architect 
of the universe convinces us of the immortality of the 
soul, and that when freed from the earthly casement 
which imprisons it here it joins the band of immortals 
in eternity. 

Death is a tragedy. The more impressive was this 
tragedy in the death of our late colleague because life 
was so attractive to him. He was in the zenith of his 
power, and the opportunities for usefulness were open- 
ing their various avenues for him to. en joy the rare facili- 
ties at his disposal. Before him were opportunities for 
public service, wherein he could earn great reputation 
and better the condition of his people who loyally con- 
fided in him. But while in the enjoyment of all these 
pleasing environments, surrounded by his loved ones, en- 
joying health, in full possession of all his powers, mental 
and physical, like an assassin in the night, without warn- 
ing, the messenger of death touched him with his fatal 
dart and he fell to rise no more. 

The kind, gentle voice was hushed, the stalwart man 
in the fullness of his strength was paralyzed, powerless 
to rise again, and his earthly career was ended. 

In the daily conflicts of life, where man was pitted 
against man, in daily affairs as they would come and go, 

[18] 



Address of Mr. Cullop, of Indiana 



success had crowned his cflorts, but when he met the 
unconquerable foe of life, death, he fell a captive, sur- 
rendered to his fate, the same which must sooner or later 
be the common heritage of us all. 

In his demise his constituency have lost a faithful pub- 
lic servant — true, honest, and courageous in the discharge 
of every public duty; his associates, a most agreeable com- 
panion; and his family, an indulgent and loving father 
and husband; the country, a manly man. 



And this his epitaph shall be, 
When ended are his days; 

None knew him but to love him, 
None named him but to praise. 



[19] 



Address of Mr. Clark, of Missouri 

Mr. Speaker: Various things bring men into close 
friendship and confidential relationship in this House — 
place of birth, residence, similarity of tastes, political 
faith, committee work, and so forth. 

It so happens that I lived for two years in West Vir- 
ginia and learned to love her people. Consequentlj'^ I have 
always cultivated the acquaintance and friendship of her 
Senators and Representatives. From his first entrance 
upon this scene Hon. William G. Brown and I were close 
friends, a fact which I most highly appreciate. I found 
him true as steel, kind, intelligent, firm, affable, and at- 
tentive to his public duties. He was a dependable man — 
not brilliant but dependable, which is far better. Having 
made up his mind deliberately that a certain course was 
right, he pursued it without shadow of turning. He could 
be neither bullied nor coaxed out of it. Such men are the 
most valuable public servants. 

He was grandson of James Brown, an Irish immigrant, 
who in 1789 settled at Kingwood, in that part of the Old 
Dominion which subsequently became West Virginia. It 
is a wonderful State— the Switzerland of America — ines- 
timably rich in natural resources. To this James Brown 
was born in 1800 a son, Hon. William G. Brown, sr. He 
enjoyed the peculiar distinction of serving in Congress 
from two different States — Virginia and West Virginia — 
though he lived all his life in the same town wherein he 
was born — ^Kingwood. So our friend William G. Brown, 
Jr., having an Irishman for a grandfather and a Represen- 
tative in Congress for his father, naturally and inevitably 
had a penchant for politics, in which he succeeded admir- 
ably. The quality of success in him was hereditary. He 
succeeded in business as well as in politics. Having accu- 

[20] 



AddhfvSS of Mh. Clark, oi Missoihi 



miilated a competency by industry, capacity, and honest 
methods, he concluded to walk in his father's footsteps, 
which led to this Hall. We are all glad he did so; other- 
wise we would not have enjoyed the pleasure of knowing 
him. 

None knew him but to love him, 

None named him but to praise. 



[21 



Address of Mr. Russell, of Missouri 

Mr, Speaker: The most valuable compensation that 
comes to one who serves in this House is the strong en- 
during friendships that are formed between him and his 
colleagues with whom he is intimately associated, and 
the saddest experiences of our public service is when death 
suddenly severs the strong ties that have bound us to- 
gether, leaving only a saddened but a sweet and an un- 
fading memory of the pleasant hours of the past when our 
common tastes, similar ambitions, and mutual sympathies 
drew^ us together as associates and cemented our affections 
into a bond of undying friendship. Another of these ties 
has been broken in the death of William G. Brown, Jr. 

I did not know my departed friend until he came here 
five years ago this month as a Member of the Sixty-second 
Congress. During his five 3'^ears' service in Congress we 
lived at the same hotel. Our personal relations were 
alwaj's friendly, sometimes confidential, and to me always 
delightful. 

I have sometimes said in his lifetime, and as it is no dis- 
credit to his memorj% I repeat now, that he was by nature 
one of the most genial companions and superb hosts I 
have ever known. He loved his friends and gave more of 
his time and means to entertain them than any one of 
the Members of this House that I have observed. His 
hospitality was not cold and formal, but genuine and 
whole-hearted. He illustrated well the teaching of the 
proverb, " It is better to give than to receive." From many 
close observations of his generous entertainment of his 
friends I know I can truthfully say that he considered it 
a privilege and not a burden to be permitted to extend 
courtesies to his constituents and others whom he loved. 

[22] 



Address ov Mh. Rissell, of Missouri 

As a Hcijrcsentative in this House ho was industrious, 
vigilant, and faithful to the constituency that honored and 
trusted him. In my last conversation with him he thanked 
me for sonie little assistance that I had rendered to him 
in securing a favorahle consideration of a si)ecial bill he 
luid introduced for the relief of a destitute and deserving 
old soldier. This only illustrates his earnest desire to 
serve well even the humblest of those he represented. 

I was pained as we all were when wc heard that our 
colleague had passed away, and this House on that day 
adjourned out of respect to his memorj\ I was appointed 
by the Speaker as a member of the committee to attend his 
funeral at his former home, and did so. 

Knowing him here as we did, and appreciating so well 
his many manly qualities and noble impulses, those of 
us who accompanied his remains home were not sur- 
prised to find that among the people who knew him the 
longest and the best he was universally respected and 
devotedly loved by all. The people of his home city in 
the full realization of the great loss they had sustained 
spoke grievously of his death and in praise of the many 
virtues of the distinguished dead, and feelingly of their 
own personal sorrow. 

We often hear repeated the familiar quotation from the 
Bible, " A prophet is not without honor save in his own 
countr}'." The thought intended to be expressed is that a 
man can not reach high places of distinction and honor 
among those who have known him intimately all the days 
of his life. I believe there is in a measure some justifi- 
cation for the use of the quotation. New things are often 
attractive, and strange faces with the mysteries of life be- 
hind them sometimes stimulate an imagination of supe- 
rior virtues and wisdom that may lead to the admiration 
and approval of the unknown by a confiding public. I'jjon 
the other hand we are sometimes prone to overlook or 



[23] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

fail to appreciate the truly great men who have lived their 
entire lives in our midst. If this familiarity is in fact an 
obstruction to the successful aspirations and ambitions 
of men, it was completely overcome by William G. 
Brown, Jr. He and his father before him were born in 
the little city where he now sleeps in death. He never had 
any other home; every man, woman, and child there knew 
him intimately; many of them knew him and observed 
almost his daily life from the cradle to the grave, and 
to his eternal credit it may be truthfully said they all re- 
spected and loved him. They delighted to honor him in 
life and they all now revere his memory. 



[24] 



Address of Mr. Mann, of Illinois 

Mr. Speaker: We are assembled on this bright and 
beautiful spring day to pay our tribute of affectionate 
remembrance to one of the best and noblest Members 
of this Congress. 

At the beginning of every Congress the old Members 
attempt to take the measure of each new Member with 
whom they come in contact. I noticed Mr. Brown on 
the floor of the House shortly after he came into the 
Sixty-second Congress, and was attracted by his many 
worthy qualities. Several summers ago Mrs. Mann took 
a cottage up at Deer Park. I used to spend my week 
ends up there, and on a number of occasions traveled on 
the train there or from there here with Mr. Brown. We 
had many very interesting conversations, and I became 
peculiarly and affectionately attracted to him, because of 
the sweet qualities he exhibited on those rides, so that I 
gave more than passing attention to him in the House. 
I learned that among all the Members of the House there 
was, 1 think, no other one with more genial, kindly, ca- 
pable, earnest, and sincere qualities than Mr. Brown. 

A year ago Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Mann, and myself, 
and a number of others of this body and of the Senate, 
were on our way to Hawaii. We traveled across the con- 
tinent to San Francisco and from there by boat to Hono- 
lulu and around the islands. There were, I believe, in that 
party 19 Members of the House and Senate, many with 
their families and some friends. It is on such occasions 
that we really learn to know the personal side, the tender 
side, the endearing side of men and women. Mrs. Brown 
was the life of that party, and I am sure no one in the 
party was happier and more filled with enjoyment from 

[25J 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 



day to day than was Mr. Brown; and the two added so 
much to our pleasure that they became affectionately re- 
garded by all our hearts. 

When the statement came in the House one morning 
that Mr. Brown had passed away I felt as though I had 
lost a brother. He was a Democrat, I was the Repub- 
lican leader of the House when he came in. It is one of 
tlie beautiful features of American politics, particularly 
exemplified in this House, that the aisle on one side of 
which sit the Democrats and on the other side the Re- 
publicans is not a dividing aisle between the hearts of 
men. Friendships do not cease at the center aisle. We 
have on our side of the House just as warm personal 
friends on the other side as we have on this; and I counted 
it a great pleasure to know that I on my side could enjoy 
the friendship of Mr. Brown, as I believe he enjoyed 
our friendship from his side. He and I were the same 
age. He has passed away, just at a time when, probably, 
it was the hardest for him to go. A man close to 60, he 
had just become the father of a little daughter. With all 
the reasons for living that loving pleasure could give, he 
was stricken down. Yet, Mr. Speaker, I feel, and I pre- 
sume I will continue for the balance of my life to feel, 
as though I had lived a full life, and done perhaps that 
share of work which I might easily have expected would 
be more than I could complete. He was willing to go if 
he could have done so without leaving sorrow behind him. 
I would be willing to go at any time. 



[26] 



Address of Mr. Hayes, of California 

Mr. Speaker: It was my pleasure to become acquainted 
with William G. Brown, Jr., or as he was known univer- 
sally by the people of his own county, and probably of his 
district, and by those who knew him familiarly, simply as 
Junior, when he entered the Sixty-second Congress and 
received as a Member of this body an assignment for 
service on the Banking and Currency Committee, of which 
I was then and am still a member. I was immediately im- 
pressed with the abilit}^ and versatility' that he brought to 
the discharge of his high duties as a member of that com- 
mittee and of this House, and with his experience as a 
man of large business affairs and a banker for many years. 
His judgment and ideas of the things that should be em- 
braced in legislation were generally, according to my 
standard, eminently sound and practical. I think one of 
his most distinguishing characteristics was his absolute 
loyalty to his own conscience and sense of what was right 
and best for the people, not only of his district but of the 
whole country. 

As illustrating this I beg to repeat a little instance that 
occurred during the present Congress at a meeting of the 
Banking and Currency Committee. I perhaps ought first 
to say that it is in the sessions of the various committees 
of the House where Members of this body come best to 
know each other personally and intimately. The infor- 
mality of procedure in committee gets men very close to- 
gether, and they come to know each other's personal 
peculiarities and characteristics as they could not know 
them by meeting only on the floor of the House during 
its sessions. I came very soon to know Mr. Brown as a 
man most loyal to his obligations as a Member ol llie 



[27] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

House and to his sense of what was right and proper 
in legislation. 

In the last Congress, in the consideration of the rural 
credit bill which was then under consideration, Mr. 
Brown, upon a very important matter in connection with 
that legislation, took a strong position in favor of one 
proposition in the bill and maintained it to the close of 
the Congress. In this Congress the same matter was again 
before the Committee on Banking and Currency, and a 
most exhaustive discussion upon both sides of the propo- 
sition was participated in by members of the committee, 
of course without any regard to politics. At the end of 
the discussion Mr. Brown announced to the committee 
that the discussion had satisfied him that he was wrong 
in his former attitude on that proposition and that he 
should vote contrary to what he voted in the last Congress, 
and when the vote was taken he did so vote. 

I regard that, Mr. Speaker, as a very strong indication 
of the strength and character of our late colleague, Mr. 
Brown, and an exhibition of real moral courage which, 
alas. Members of the House do not always exhibit. Mr. 
Brown was a man who would rather be right than to be 
consistent. 

I was appointed a member of the committee which at- 
tended the funeral of our late colleague, and I was glad 
to attend the services which took place in his home town. 
While in that community I discovered that not only the 
people of his own town but of the country at large re- 
garded him in a way that any man should be proud to be 
regarded by his neighbors where he had lived all his life. 
They regarded him as a personal friend who entered with 
a sympathetic heart into all their struggles and trials. 
I am informed he could call them, and even their chil- 
dren, by name, and if disaster came to them he truly sym- 
pathized with them in their trouble. 

[28] 



Address of Mh. Hayes, of California 

1 was luivisod, and I have no doubt it is true, that in his 
last will and testament he left directions to his executor 
that in the distribution and settlement of his estate no 
man who owed him — and many in his district did — was to 
be pressed or forced to pay his obligations until he could 
do so without sacrifice. That exhibited another beautiful 
and most estimable and praiseworthy element of the char- 
acter of Mr. Brown. He sympathized with the community, 
witii his neighbors, and with those with whom he came 
in contact to an extent that was well-nigh all embracing. 
I believe such enlightened human sympathy to be one of 
the most beautiful characteristics of any human life. 

Mr. Speaker, such a life as that of our late colleague, 
which blessed the world with usefulness, geniality, and 
sympathy, has not ended. It has only been transferred to 
another sphere of activity and usefulness. Human life is 
continuous and is not bounded by the few years of our 
mortal activity here. It reaches not only from the cradle 
to the grave, but from the cradle to the farthest stretches 
of eternity. That William G. Brown, Jr., is just as con- 
spicuous in the great beyond for optimism and all the 
admirable and lovable traits of his character as he was 
in this world I have not a doubt, and in the not distant 
future I expect again to meet him and know him and love 
liiin even as I knew and loved him here. 



[29] 



Address of Mr. Heflin, of Alabama 

Mr. Speaker: It was my pleasure to know and to be 
intimately associated with W. G, Brown, the distin- 
guished Member of Congress from West Virginia. We 
come together to-day to pay our tributes of respect and 
esteem to the character and public services of this fel- 
low Member who has gone, one in whom the elements 
of gentility and sincerity blended in beautiful form. He 
was popular as a Member of Congress and loved by all 
who knew him. He carried in his heart a warm affection 
for the people who honored him with a seat in this House, 
and he honored his district with the nobility of his char- 
acter and by the splendid services that he rendered here. 
He was an energetic, conscientious, and able Member of 
Congress, and served his district and the country faith- 
fully and well. 

Mr. Speaker, although he had not been in the best of 
health for the last year or two, yet he was cheerful and 
bright and happy, carrying sunshine and good cheer 
wherever he went. He loved life, and he enjoyed it to 
the full. In his happy home circle he was the ideal hus- 
band and father, loving and beloved by his dear ones 
there. He was a splendid type of American manhood, 
a patriotic citizen, a loyal friend, and a faithful public 
servant. 

Mr. Speaker, we miss his hearty hand-grasp; we hear 
no more his cheerful voice; and we see no more his pleas- 
ing, winsome smile. He has answered his last roll call, 
and has fallen asleep in the midst of a happy, busy, and 
useful life. So in the process of that long and mysterious 
slumber that must come to us all he has passed into a 
higher state of living. Just as sleep is necessary to refresh 

[30] 



Ai)i)Ri:ss OF Mh. Hkm.in, of Alama.m a 



and build anew tlie body for life's little day, so is the final 
sleep necessary in the plans and purposes of immortality, 
for that bright day that has no night. He has gone the 
way that we must go when we have done witli the clat- 
tering discords of time. 

Let us remember the many noble traits of his beautiful 
character. And, Mr. Speaker, let us, who served with 
him so pleasantly licrc, emulate his virtues, and so live 
that when the final sleep shall come to us we will be able 
to meet it as courageously and as sweetly as did the friend 
we mourn to-day. 



924<0"'-17 3 [31] 



Address of Mr. Saunders, of Virginia 

Mr. Speaker: Once more death has found a shining 
mark, and with relentless stroke quenched the activities 
of a busy and useful life. Even now it is hard to realize 
that our colleague is dead. The news that he had been 
fatally stricken, and that his life hung by a thread that the 
passing day might sever, came with the sudden and unex- 
pected quality of a lightning flash in a clear sky. Only a 
night or two before a coinpany of friends had gathered 
at his house to enjoy the gracious hospitality that he was 
wont to dispense. They parted with no premonition of 
impending calamity, no foreknowledge that they would 
never see their host again in life, or that within a few 
brief hours his mobile face would be stilled forever in 
the calm and awful serenity of death. Junior Brown, as 
he was affectionately styled by his friends, was so full of 
cheery optimism, his handshake was so cordial, his smile 
so winning and compelling that he and death seemed 
things apart. His generous nature rejoiced in the com- 
radeship of his fellows. He radiated sunshine. He was 
frank, sincere, warm-hearted, sympathetic, tender, and 
true as steel in all the relations of life. To know him 
was to love him. Such was the universal testimony of 
his friends, and they were legion. 

Confronted anew with the realization that the grim 
reaper lurks at every elbow, ready to strike an unexpected 
blow, we mourn to-day an untimely death, and with his 
memory still green in our hearts we refuse to be com- 
forted by the reflection that this mortal has put on immor- 
tality, and the soul of our comrade has exchanged the 
limitations of its fleshly tabernacle for the splendors of 
the temple not made with hands. 

[32] 



Addukss or Mm. Sai ni)i:hs, oi-^ Vhu.ima 



But while Junior Brown possesstd all those lovable 
qualities which attracted and constrained the affection of 
his fellows, he was far more than a sincere, warm-hearted, 
genial, and agreeable companion and friend. He was 
every inch a man, strong in character, industrious in habit, 
austere in integrity, firm, resolute, energetic, and able. 
He was sound in judgment, keen and sagacious in per- 
ception, wise in council, fertile in resource, steadfast in 
action. He was generous in a large way, but not ostenta- 
tious in his charities, keeping ever in mind the injunction 
that the one hand should not be acquainted with the action 
of the other. Though born to a fortune, the qualities that 
I have described enabled our colleague to escape the 
numbing ef!'ect that great wealth as a rule exercises upon 
its possessors, inaptly described as fortunate. Basking in 
Fortune's lap and caressed by her smiles, these spoiled 
darlings are prone to reject the call to higher things, and 
are often content to see others win the prizes of life while 
they loll on beds of flowcr>' ease that great riches have 
provided. Lacking the sharp spur of necessity, they are 
not moved to strenuous endeavor, or to live laborious 
days. But our friend was made of sterner stuff. He was 
not willing to play an ignoble and petty part. As a youth 
he prosecuted with diligence and success his studies in the 
schools of his native State and later, in the full flush of 
vigorous young manhood, he graduated at the University 
of West Virginia. Admitted early to the bar, he practiced 
his profession with success until called to the charge of 
administering the affairs of a great estate. 

In time he felt the lure of politics, but his first venture 
was not successful. Nominated for Congress in a doubtful 
district, he was defeated in 1800 l)y Judge Dayton. Later 
he was nominated in 1910 and was successful. This elec- 
tion established his hold upon the people of his district, 
and he was elected again in 1912, and still again in 1914. 



[33] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

Had he lived he w^ould have been nominated w^ithout op- 
position for a fourth term and triumphantly elected. Our 
colleague's chief work in the House, of which he was an 
esteemed and well-beloved Member, was on the Banking 
and Currency Committee. 

In this work his experience as a banker served him In 
good stead, and he rendered conspicuous service in the 
preparation of the Federal reserve act. At the time of his 
death he was a member of the subcommittee engaged in 
framing a rural credits bill. For this work his training 
and experience as an expert banker, and successful man 
of affairs, conspicuously fitted him, and his premature 
death was a distinct loss not only to his colleagues with 
whom he was collaborating, but particularly to the agri- 
cultural interests of the entire country. Our comrade 
was not a frequent speaker in this body, but when occa- 
sion demanded he spoke clearly and imperativelj', with 
vigorous emphasis and cogent argument. 

While no man was more beloved in the House, this af- 
fectionate regard for our deceased friend was equaled, 
if not surpassed, in the district where he lived and dis- 
pensed his generous and unobtrusive benefactions. This 
regard was abundantly attested by the presence of the vast 
throng that, undeterred by untoward weather, gathered 
from every quarter to attend his funeral exercises. For 
hours an apparentlj'^ unending stream of sorrowing friends 
passed by the casket that contained all that was mortal of 
William Gay Brown, and after one long look at that once 
mobile face, there stilled in death, turned mournfully 
away. The room was embowered in flowers. A great ora- 
tor, speaking of his brother, once said that if everyone 
who had received some act of kindness at his hands would 
drop a single flower on his grave he would sleep under a 
wilderness of blossoms. Appropriately this thought came 
to my mind when I stood in the room consecrated to death 



[34] 



Address or Mr. Saunders, of Virginia 



and saw on ever}' hand, banked high in gh)ri()us profu- 
sion, the flowers that loving hearts liad provided lor ten- 
der hands to place upon the grave of our friend. The 
sun was sinking low in the west when we started on our 
return to Wasliington, leaving our comrade to sleep 
among the people whom he knew and loved, and who 
knew and loved him. 

Musing sorrowfully over the experiences of the day, 
fond meniorj' recalled the lines that have brought com- 
fort to others when oppressed with the solemn mystery 
of death: 

He is not dead, but sleepeth; well we know 
The form, that now lies mute beneath the sod, 

Shall rise, when time the golden bugles blow, 
And pour their music through the courts of God. 



[35] 



Address of Mr. Sutherland, of West Virginia 

Mr. Speaker: It is a sad thing for those left behind even 
when a friend who has reached the utmost limit of old age 
is called upon to enter " that bourn whence no traveler 
returns," but when one is stricken down in the full power 
of his mature manhood, and that friend is one with whom 
we have been daily associated, and in whose life is com- 
bined the elements of essential strength, power, success, 
and practically everything that makes life full and com- 
plete, there is a shock and sense of loss that overpowers 
us and bids us pause and consider the issues of life. It 
was a severe shock to the membership of this House, and 
particularly to his West Virginia colleagues, when, almost 
without warning, our friend, the late William G. Brown, 
was stricken. Upon this sad occasion when we are as- 
sembled to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory 
I desire briefly, but in sincere affection for the memory 
of our departed friend, to add my voice to those who at 
this time are giving testimony to their appreciation of 
the life, character, and services of Junior Brown, as 
he was affectionately called by his constituents and friends 
in West Virginia. 

Speaking from a personal acquaintance with my de- 
parted colleague of nearly twenty years, I can say in sin- 
cerity and in truth that few men in West Virginia have 
been more beloved for the very best traits of a rugged yet 
kind and sympathetic manhood than he has been by a 
large and ever-widening circle of friends. Born and 
reared among the rugged mountains of West Virginia, he 
had the strength that comes to the hardy outdoor dweller 
in the life-giving atmosphere of his native State. He was 
fortunate in having an ancestry of sturdy pioneers who 
had likewise lived. 

[36] 



Address of Mh. Sitherland, of West Virginia 

Early in lilo he formed the resolution to represent his 
congressional district in Congress, as his father had done, 
and his successful attainment of that worthy ambition 
upon three successive occasions as a Democrat in a nor- 
mally Republican district, after having once many years 
earlier been defeated, shows the determination of the 
man and the friendship held for him by his neighbors 
and friends in the second congressional district of West 
Virginia. 

As the Representative in Congress of that splendid con- 
stituency he met the highest expectations of his friends, 
and as a colleague in the work of this body and a resi- 
dent of the same congressional district in which he lived, 
and though of opposite political faith, I can truthfully say 
that he was always ready and alert to discharge every 
obligation to his constituents without regard to political 
lines. I shall always cherish as one of the pleasantest per- 
sonal fricndsliips I have enjoyed during the Sixty-third 
and the present Congress the one that I have had the 
pleasure of enjoying with my deceased friend and col- 
league. Junior Brow^n; and I, in common with all the 
Members of this House who knew him well, shall always 
hold in aflectionate regard the memory of the strong, use- 
ful, upright colleague who has thus suddenly been sum- 
moned from among us. 



[37] 



Address of Mr. Candler, of Mississippi 

Mr. Speaker : It is with a heart full of sadness that I rise 
to participate in the services upon this solemn occasion. 
I met Mr. Brown when he first came to Congress at the 
beginning of his term in the Sixty-second Congress. From 
the time when I first met him until the last moment of his 
life he and I were close and good and affectionate friends. 
I loved him devotedly, as he loved me, and on many 
occasions when I had difficult questions confronting me 
he was the one among all others to whom I went and with 
whom 1 discussed these matters, in order that I might 
arrive at a solution of them which would be just and right. 

No man ever had a better friend or a safer counselor 
than when he had Junior Brown as a friend and coun- 
selor in times of difficulty, in times of struggle, in times 
when it was necessary to exercise the very best judgment 
and to have wisdom which would lighten up the pathway 
and lead to a conclusion that was pure, honest, and just. 

He was a patriot. He came from a sturdy stock that 
were pioneers in blazing the way amidst the forests then, 
that have become fertile fields since; a stock that has 
brought to us and furnished to us the beauty and the sun- 
light and the grandeur of the civilization which we enjoy. 

We of this generation owe much to those early pioneers. 
They clung to that which was honest and just and right as 
between man and man; and in their cabin homes, dotted 
on the hilltops and sprinkled through the sequestered val- 
leys of this beautiful land of ours, they laid the foundation 
that has sustained the enduring superstructure of this, the 
greatest Nation of the world. 

It was from stock like this that Junior Brown came, and 
he was a fit exemplar of the principles which they loved, 

[38] 



Address of Mr. Candler, of Mississippi 

because he clung until the end to the same just principles 
of righteousness and truth which they advocated and ever 
maintained and sustained with their lives, their property, 
their possession, in the interest of mankind, and for the 
glorj' of this countrj'. That was the kind of a patriot he 
was. A self-sacrificing, devoted patriot who placed coun- 
try above self and public welfare above private interest. 

His affection, while it went out in all its fullness and 
tenderness to those by whom he was surrounded in his 
immediate district and State, was not confined to them 
alone, but went further; it went to the extremities of this 
great country; and he loved his country and admired its 
grandeur and glory, and brought a consecrated devotion 
to it in the service he rendered in this House, not only for 
the advancement of the interests of his district and his 
State, but looking always to the welfare and prosperity 
of this great Nation as well. 

He was not only a patriot, Mr, Speaker, but be was a 
citizen who measured up to the very highest standard. 
He had the highest conception of the duties and respon- 
sibilities of American citizenship, and he pursued that 
course, in private and ofiicial life, as a citizen of the Re- 
public and of his State and district, that shed brilliancy 
and brightness everywhere he went. 

Do you know that one of the highest conceptions which 
any man can have in all this world is to aspire to that 
lofty and high standard exemplified in j)atriotic American 
citizenship? I have sometimes said that I believe that the 
highest position any man can hold in all this country is 
the position of a true A.merican citizen who, by his life 
and example and purposes and desires, carries to as near 
perfection as possible the great purposes of this Nation as 
exemplified in the bedrock principles upon whicii it is 
founded. As such a citizen Junior Brown sought during 
all his illustrious career, from his young manhood down 

[39] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

to the day he left us, to erect such a standard and to 
maintain it among the people who knew him; and he 
thereby secured their affection and confidence, which was 
evidenced in their loyalty and devotion to him to the hour 
of his untimely death. While these characteristics of this 
great and good man are to be and are supremely admired, 
still the sweetest arid the noblest and the best element of 
his nature and of his manhood was his devotion, his 
tender affection to his friends and to his loved ones. 

No man could be with him as his friend but could feel 
the pulsations of his heart that beat in unison with yours 
if he loved you; and if you were in deed and in truth a 
sharer in his affection and friendship, you would feel 
that he stood right beside you, and that you did not have 
to reach out to determine at any time whether he was 
there; whether the darkness or the sunshine was round 
about you, his friendship was extended to you in such 
force and affection that you always knew, especially if 
you needed him, that he was there, ready to uphold and 
sustain you. His devotion to his mother and all his loved 
ones was sublimely beautiful. Often did he speak of his 
father, his mother, and his dear ones, and their happiness 
was his supreme joy. 

It was my good fortune to be with him and his family 
in his home at the last meal, I presume, he ever partook 
of upon this earth. My wife, my daughter, and myself, 
with his family, gathered around the table in his home 
and partook with him of his most delightful hospitality. 
After dinner he and I went in his library, while my wife 
and daughter with his wife and sister-in-law and mother- 
in-law and the sweet babies were in another room. He 
talked to me about some great public questions which 
were then pending, showing the earnestness and desire of 
his heart above everything to do that which was right 
and best in their solution. That evening as we sat and dis- 

[40] 



Address of Mr. Candler, of Mississippi 

cussed thcni, as he sought from me what littU> advice I 
might be able to give him in the sohition of them, his 
face would light up as we studied them and tried to find 
out that which was best; and when we came to the con- 
clusion wliich would have been enunciated by his vote 
upon the following day I shall never iorgel the happi- 
ness which was expressed in his face, in the realization 
that he believed at least he had arrived at a conclusion 
that was for the welfare of the people he represented and 
the glory of his country. 

In the fleeting years which may come and go I shall 
never forget the scene as he went down the steps that night 
with us when we left his house to the curbstone and placed 
us in his automobile to send us back to the hotel and stood 
there with the brightness and gladness and happiness that 
were expressed in his face as he bade us a cheerful good- 
night, and then, closing the door, as he turned away, 
waved his hand and said, " Zeke, I will see you to-mor- 
row," To-morrow did not come with him so as he might 
meet with me upon this earth. That night he was stricken. 
The hours went by, and God called him. He responded. 
His white soul went into the presence of the great God of 
the universe, through the pearly gates, along the golden 
streets, and, as I believe, into the mansion prepared for 
him, eternal in the heavens. To-morrow did not come 
here, but to-morrow will come in the brightness of the 
])erfect day, and I hope to meet him, and with the glad 
clasp of his hand and the warmth of his heart and the 
brightness of his face we shall rejoice together again in 
the happier day that knows no ending, but which shall 
roll on through the ages of eternity itself; and in no asso- 
ciation which I shall have in yonder world, among all (lie 
friends with whom God has blessed me in my career, shall 
I be happier than with Junior Brown. 



[41] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

He was faithful and true in all the walks of life, as a 
patriot, a citizen, a public servant, a son, a husband, and 
father, and it can be said truthfully of him, well done — 
enter into peace eternal. May God bless, comfort, keep, 
shield, and protect his dear wife and his little baby and 
all his loved ones, and may we all by-and-by meet together 
in the eternal home above, where there shall be no good- 
byes and no to-morrows, but all be ever present with the 
Lord in the perfection of happiness and glory in the 
" Golden City." 

Mr. Littlepage took the chair as Speaker pro tempore. 



[42] 



Address of Mr. Neely, or West Vircinia 

Mr. Speaker: Death, the ruthless reaper, with icy hand 
that never tires, and sickle keen that never turns its edge, 
has severed from earth and earthly things the Hon. Wil- 
liam G. Brown, our late distinguished colleague, our 
willing fellow worker, our loved and loving friend. 

While on the mountain top of success, in the very hey- 
day of manhood, while all the tides of life and joy and 
hope were flowing full and fair, from a home of affluence, 
love, and peace, he was abruptly summoned to take his 
journey to that mysterious country from which no man 
has ever yet returned. Without a murmur and without a 
moan he passed from the restless land of the living into 
the silent empire of the dead. 

Junior Brow^n, as he was affectionately called by those 
who loved him best, was noble, patriotic, generous, able, 
and just. He faithfull}' discharged his every official duty, 
lavishly gave to every meritorious cause, loyally served 
his country, and sublimely cherished his family and his 
friends. 

His death is a loss to the Nation, a misfortune to his 
State, and a calamity to his constituents. 

Only a little while ago he was one of the most active 
Members of this House. It seems but an hour since his 
merr}' peals of laughter filled the air and the melody of his 
voice thrilled our iiearts with its sweet, seductive strains. 
But now his seat is vacant, his tongue is silent, and his 
name is called in vain. In the hush that pervades the 
sanctuary of our dead we realize that our faithful friend 
has sailed the sad and solemn sea that separates the nar- 
row shores of time from the boundless kingdom of eter- 
nity. He has passed beyond the limits of earthly vision. 

[43] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

His shadowy form can not be seen through the telescopes 
of science or the tears of grief. 

As we stand face to face with the inarvelous mystery of 
death, we are impelled to ask anew the world-old ques- 
tion propounded by the Man of Uz : " If a man die, shall 
he live again? " But, unlike the afflicted patriarch, we do 
not inquire in vain. We simply turn from this perplexing 
question of the Old Testament to find it answered in the 
New by Him who came fifteen centuries after Job and 
said: " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a 
crown of life." 

Thanks to the hallowed hope that springs forever in the 
Christian breast, we believe that the separation from our 
beloved one is but for a night and that in the morning we 
shall meet again. A divinit}'^ within whispers with still, 
small voice in the listening ear of love : " The grave is not 
the end of all." 

In the thought of another: If the everlasting Father con- 
descends to animate with divine power the cold and un- 
responsive heart of a tiny seed and make it burst forth 
from its captive cell, to grow into a various fabric of root 
and vine and flower, will He leave forgotten in the grave 
the immortal soul of man? If He sloops to give to the 
humblest plant that clings to cliff or crag the promise of 
another springtime, will He withhold the pledge of hope 
from His children when the blasts of winter come? If 
insensate matter, though changed through the processes 
of nature into multitudinous forms, can never die, will 
the spirit of man sink into oblivion when it leaves its 
lowly house of clay? A million voices answer " No." 

In this moment of melancholy our hearts are filled with 
grief and our eyes are dimmed with tears. " Thoughts of 
the last bitter hour come like a blight over our spirits," 
but even now, when earthly help and sympathy seem 
vain, we look beyond the cloud that hangs above us like 

[44] 



Anmiiiss or Mh. Nkkly, of \Vi:st Vihc.inia 

a pall, and there, through lailh, we see the star of hope 
still shining on. In the lustrous light of that constant 
star we read the assuring promise of the Savior of the 
world, "T am the resurrection and the life; whosoever 
belie veth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; 
and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." 

In this promise we put our trust. While dogmas perish 
and creeds crumble, while agnosticism decays and atheism 
dies, we shall continue to lean upon the everlasting arm, 
believing that the twilight here is but the dawn of a 
grander day upon some other shore, believing that the 
feeble flame that flickers here for a little wliile will at last 
leap into a bright and shining light when the spirit of man 
has winged its flight back to Him that gave it birth. 

God pity the man who doubts the existence of an- 
other life in another land — 

Who hopeless lays his dead away, 
Nor looks to see the breaking day 
Across the mournful marbles play; 
Who hath not learned in hours of faith 
The truth, to flesh and sense unknown, 
That Life is ever lord of Death, 
And Love can never lose its own. 

We are consoled by the thought that there is no skeptic 
such as this among those who mourn the loss of him 
whose memorj- we commemorate to-day. 

In a new-made grave, beneath the stately pines of a 
West Virginia hill, we have tenderly laid to rest the mor- 
tal remains of Junior Brown. 

Lot us with sacred symbolism strew that grave with 
flowers. Let us lay with loving hands ui)on the turf that 
shields our dead the imperishable amaranth, the fadeless 
emblem of immortality. Let us wreathe the ivj', the floral 
metaphor of devoted friendship, the token of brotherly 
love, above his silent dust. And upon the mournful mon- 



[45] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

ument that marks the tongueless tomb in which our de- 
parted calmly awaits the purple dawn of the resurrection 
morning let us inscribe that beautiful supplication : 

Warm southern sun, shine kindly here; 
Warm southern wind, blow softly here; 
Green sod above, lie light, lie light; 
Good night, dear heart, good night, good night. 



[46] 



Address of Mr. Kitchin, of North Carolina 

Mr. Speaker: Under the impression until a short time 
ago that these ceremonies were to take place next Sun- 
day instead of to-day, I am here unprepared to do justice 
to the dead friend whose life and character we commem- 
orate to-day. And yet so great was my admiration, so 
strong was my friendship, and so warm my attachment 
for our deceased colleague that if I did not utter some 
word of tribute upon this occasion I should feel myself 
disloyal to a memory which I revere and honor. 

I knew Mr. Brown well. Perhaps I was one of the first 
of the older Members whom he met after his election to 
Congress. I shall always recall with much interest and 
a great deal of pleasure our first meeting. It was one 
morning in the short session of the Sixty-first Congress, 
just after he had been elected to the House at the pre- 
ceding November election. I was sitting alone on a dav- 
enport, looking down the lobby aisle behind the Speaker's 
desk, when I saw a Capitol guide and a gentleman com- 
ing along, the guide telling the history of this Speaker 
and that Speaker, as he pointed to their portraits on the 
wall. I watched this stranger gentleman. His manner 
and demeanor were so polite, so courteous, so genteel, 
and the lines of his face were marked with such strength 
of character and mind, and his countenance so full of 
affability and geniality that I said to myself, "That is 
more than an ordinary man." I sat there until the guide 
came along to the portrait of the Speaker above my seat, 
where they stopped. I looked carefully at this man, then 
a stranger to me, and I was convinced then that lie was 
more than an ordinary man. After the guide had finislied 
telling him about the life and character of the Speaker 
above me 1 struck up a little conversation. About that 

92440°— 17 4 [47] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

time the Doorkeeper announced that the lobbies should be 
cleared. The guide said, " We must leave now." I then 
said, "My friend, where are you from?" He answered, 
" I am from West Virginia." I then asked his name. He 
replied, " Brown is my name." I said, " You are not this 
Democratic BROWTNf that carried a rock-ribbed Repub- 
lican district over here in West Virginia in the last elec- 
tion?" "Yes; I am the man," said he. I said, "You do 
not need this guide." I then told the guide to turn Mr. 
Brown over to ine; that I would be his pilot a while. 
I explained to him that he was entitled to the floor and 
escorted him into the House cloakroom, where I intro- 
duced him to dozens of Members, some of whom I see 
around me now. From that day until his death Brown 
and myself were close, intimate friends. He attracted 
me at once. There was that indescribable something 
about him which, for lack of a better name, we call per- 
sonal magnetism. He possessed it in a preeminent degree. 
I never knew a person, man or lady, who ever met Mr. 
Brown that was not attracted by him. He won you to 
him. You could not help admiring him; you could not 
help being attached to him. 

Brown was one of the most unassuming, unintruding 
men I ever saw. You will remember that in the Sixty- 
second Congress, to which he was first elected, the system 
of appointing committees had been changed; the power 
to appoint had been taken out of the Speaker's hands and 
given directly to the House, through the recommendation 
of the majority members of the Ways and Means Commit- 
tee in the first instance, to the majoritj'^ caucus so far as 
concerned the Democratic Members, and then by the 
caucus recommending to the House for election. Prac- 
tically all the new Democratic Members had applied to 
the Ways and Means Committee for committee assign- 
ments. In looking over the applications for the com- 

[48] 



Address of Mr. Kitchin, of North Carolina 

niitk'c assignments I found that Brown had niadr no ap- 
plication. We majority members ot the Ways and Means 
Committee had an understanding that we would make 
no promises to any Member as to assignments. One day 
while with Brown I was tempted to break the rule a little, 
and I said, " Brown, you have not made application for 
a committee assignment." He said, "No; 1 just leave it 
to you gentlemen; I am willing to serve anywhere you put 
me." I said, " I can not promise you anything, but tell me 
to which committee you had rather be assigned; on what 
committee do you think you could give better service?" 
He then replied, " Since you ask me, I would prefer the 
Banking and Currency Committee." 

I recall, too, that when we reached the Banking and Cur- 
rency Committee for its make-up I presented his name. 
He was unanimously nominated by the committee and 
afterwards unanimously elected by the House. We made 
no mistake. He measured up to every requirement of an 
able, wise, diligent member of that great and important 
committee. 

One day Brown was in my office, when a friend from 
North Carolina came in. In introducing Brown to him, I 
said, " Here is one of God's noblemen." I had said it be- 
fore, and I say it now. Brown was really one of God's 
noblemen, and, as the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Cul- 
lop] said to-day, he was a real prince among men. He was 
a wise counselor. He did not take that active part in de- 
bates on the floor that some do, but when you talked with 
him in the committee room or in his ofllce or in the cloak- 
room about any matter you would get as good and wise 
judgment and conclusion from him as you would from 
any man. He liad a balanced judgment; he had one of 
the most genial, lovable, and affable temperaments 1 ever 
saw, and it never betrayed him. He was a well-round(>d, 
perfect gentleman. That was tJie impression he made 

[49] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

upon me when I first caught a glimpse of Mm in the cor- 
ridor. He reminded me of what we call in our country an 
" old-time Southern gentleman." He was not an old man, 
but in his courteous, genteel, and gracious manner and 
appearance he seemed to typify our conception of the 
" Southern gentleman." I have served with few men in 
this House for whom I had a warmer affection. I suppose, 
outside of his committee colleagues in the Capitol, I was 
with him while in the Capitol as much as any man in the 
House. I was always charmed when I was with him. I 
left him with a delight and a sprightliness and cheerful- 
ness of mind and temper that I did not have before. He 
could shake hands and look a man in the eye with more 
genuine sincerity and geniality than any other man I have 
met in Congress. My friends, as poor as has been my 
offering, I felt I could not miss this opportunity to pay a 
tribute to his memory and give my estimate of this fine 
and splendid gentleman, and wise and patriotic legislator, 
which his district. State, and Nation, as well as the House, 
have lost in his death. 



[50] 



Address of Mr. Byrnes, of South Carolina 

Mr. Speaker: It was my good fortune to come to this 
House at the same time as did my good Irienci Mr. Brown 
of West Virginia. We were both appointed to serve on 
the Bankin^j and Currency Committee, and in the Sixty- 
second Congress we were appointed to a subcommittee 
to investigate the so-called Money Trust. That investiga- 
tion continued for nearly a year, during which lime Mr. 
Brown and myself were together almost daily, and I 
learned to know him and to love him. The members of 
that committee soon learned the ability of our deceased 
friend, and liis experience in the banking world was of 
great value to us during that investigation. He was a 
wise counselor and a zealous, indefatigable worker. The 
investigation conducted by that subcommittee contrib- 
uted in great meaure to the sentiment which made pos- 
sible the Federal reserve act passed in the Sixty-third Con- 
gress. Mr. Brown, as a member of the Banking and Cur- 
rency Committee, also participated in the forming of this 
Federal reserve act, to-day recognized as a piece of con- 
structive legislation. 

To few men is it given to possess the haj)py faculty of 
making friends and holding them as did our deceased 
friend. He loved his friends and was ever at their serv- 
ice. I presume that he knew intimately as many Members 
of this House as any other man, and among tiiem all he 
had not one enemy. I recall that upon the last occasion 
I saw him he had gathered about him at the liolel at 
which we resided 11 of his constituents. To them he in- 
troduced me, and from them I <iuickly learned that he 
possessed the atTeclion of those whom he represented just 
as he did ours. Happy as he was that evening as he dis- 
pensed his generous hospitality to his friends from home, 

[51] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

little did I dream that within a few short days death 
would claim him. His was a lovable character. He 
brought sunshine to many, and sorrow into the life of no 
man. He is dead, but his memory lives, and will ever live 
in the hearts of those who knew him. 



[52] 



Address of Mr. Taylor, of Arkansas 

Mr. Speaker: In the great Allegheny Mountains of West 
Virginia, one time old Virginia, at the town of Kingwood, 
in the year 1856 a man child was born, and they named 
him William G. Brown, Jr. From the day of his birth 
to the day of his death he walked under the shadow of 
the brow of our great Master as a charitable, chivalric, 
upright, honorable man. His ancestors were of the old 
Virginia stock. When Mr. Brown grew to young man- 
hood he became a la^^ycr and at the same time a business 
man, and so conducted himself among the people with 
whom he lived that they not only honored and loved him 
but sent him to the Congress as their Representative as 
a Democrat, although his district was Republican. 

Mr. Brown was one of the first Members with whom I 
became acquainted when 1 entered the House. He so 
impressed me by his kindly manners that I even remem- 
ber where I first met him. He was standing just over 
there, Mr. Speaker, in the doorway of the Speaker's lobby, 
where we were introduced to each other. I shall never 
forget the warm and hearty greeting he tendered me and 
at the same time offering to do whatever he could for 
me as a new Member. As time passed on we grew to be 
very close friends. Soon after this we were walking to- 
gether from the Capitol over to the House Office Build- 
ing, when he said: "Everybody at home calls me Junior; 
what is your first name?" I replied, "Sam." He then 
remarked, " From now on 1 want you to allow me to call 
you Sam and 1 want you to call mc Junior"; and this 
we did. 

The Speaker of the House appointed me, among others, 
to attend the funeral of our departed friend at Kingwood, 
where he was born and where liis body is peacefully sleep- 

[53] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

ing in the beautiful cemetery of that little city among the 
great mountains of West Virginia. When at Kingwood 
I heard nothing of his life from his fellow citizens but 
praises touching the big-heartedness of this lovable man. 
When we arrived on the train at Kingwood our commit- 
tee was conducted to a hotel to wait for the funeral serv- 
ices. A young man of that community was at the hotel 
and approached me, introducing himself, said, " Did you 
know Mr. Brown?" I said, "Yes; he was my friend," 
and I asked him if he knew him. He replied, "Yes; I 
have known Mr. Brown all the days of my life. He was 
a friend of our family. My father is yet living, and I 
have five grown brothers, and all of us always supported 
Mr. Brown." 1 then said, " Of course, you come of a 
Democratic family." He replied, " Oh, no, sir; we are 
Republicans; but we could not have been induced to cast 
a vote against our friend, Mr. Brown. He was so kind 
and good to all of our people that we could not think 
of casting a vote against him. Whenever his name was 
on the ticket we let politics go to the wind." 

Leaving this young man at the hotel, I walked alone 
upon the streets of Kingwood, and after a while met an old 
man with long, gray beard, standing in the snow, and, 
speaking to him, I said, "Do you live here?" "No," he 
said, " I live about 50 miles from this town. 1 am here 
to-day to look for the last time into the cold, still face of 
one of the best men that ever lived, my long-time friend. 
Junior Brown." 

You could see upon the face and in the eyes of this old 
man that his heart was bleeding with grief over the loss of 
Ms friend. He had come over the mountains and through 
the snow and over the rough hills to be present at the 
funeral service of this distinguished man. His words spoke 
volumes to me touching the life and character of poor 
Junior Brown. He knew that a great man had fallen, that a 
friend of the people had passed from the earth. In further 

[54] 



Addrfss oi IMh. Taylor, of Ah Kansas 

conversation the old gentleman said, "You do not know 
what Mr. Brown was to our people and how we loved 
him." I listened intently to the words of this dear old 
man, who, continuing, said: " Stranger, to show you some- 
thing of the character of Mr. Brown I will relate an inci- 
dent which came under my observation. One day Mr. 
Brown was passing from his oflfice by the courthouse over 
there, and, being attracted by a crowd of people who had 
gathered in front of the courthouse door, he observed that 
the sherifT was selling at execution sale a horse. Mr. 
Brown walked into the crowd and asked whose horse was 
it that was being sold. Some one informed him that it be- 
longed to ' that old man standing over there.' Mr. Brown 
walked over to the owner and asked, ' Can you not pay the 
debt?' The old man answered, with a distressed face, 

* No, sir; I have no money with which to pay it. The debt 
is a just one, and now they are selling my horse to pay it.' 

* Have you other horses? ' asked Mr. Brown. The old man 
answered, * No; this is the only one I have.' At once big- 
hearted Mr. Brown became a bidder, and became the 
highest bidder and purchaser of the horse. Taking the 
horse by the bridle, he walked over to the old man and 
said to him : * Here, take him and go home. God bless you ! 
You now have your horse back, and if anyone undertakes 
to take him away from you, let me know.' " 

Instances of tliis sort were referred to and mentioned to 
nearly every Member of the House in the funeral party as 
to Mr. Brown's charitable soul. Surely, Mr. Speaker, God 
smiled when he saw this charitable deed of Mr. Brown in 
purchasing the horse and delivering him to the good old 
man. I will not speak longer. I feel more like silence 
than words. Members have spoken this afternoon kindly 
and beautifully on the life, the character, and public 
services of our deceased friend. Words are but empty 
things on occasions like tiiis. 



[55] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

We are told that "charity is the paramount virtue; all 
else is but as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal." 
Surely, Mr. Speaker, these words apply to the great man 
who rests near the spot where he was born and where he 
was laid by hundreds of devoted and loving friends. The 
funeral service was conducted in the house where he was 
born. On the walls hung the painting of his great dis- 
tinguished father and his sainted mother, whom he loved 
so devotedly and whom he so often mentioned. The par- 
lors and halls were filled with charming floral offerings 
from schools, churches, and lodges, and from the rich and 
the poor, and in the midst of these on the stairway over the 
body of our deceased friend stood a man of God, who 
among other things said: "Our friend is gone." At this 
expression tears gushed from the eyes of all present, and 
it made me know that the preacher had spoken directly 
from the hearts of his people. 

I had a great affection for Mr. Brown. I could not help 
it. I have often wondered whether this good man had an 
enemy in the world. The gentleman from North Carolina 
[Mr. Kitchin] a few moments ago said that the deceased 
was one of the most likeable men he ever knew. These 
words were fitly spoken, because everybody who was 
acquainted with the late Member of this House knew that 
Mr. Kitchin spoke the truth. I hope, my friends, that when 
the heart of Junior Brown ceased to beat in the city of 
Washington that his great big loving soul plumed its wings 
for everlasting and eternal flight to that blessed land 
where the storm never drifts its darkness and where the 
sun never goes down. 



[56] 



Address of Mr. Cooper, of West Virginia 

Mr. Speaker: Tn the nioasurement of time I knew the 
Hon. William G. Brown, Jr., but a scant four months. 

In the measurement of a friendship offered at once 
without reserve and accepted with an open-hearted de- 
sire, it seems to me incredible that we knew each other 
and were on such friendly terms for so brief a space of 
time. 

This illustrates to my mind a prominent and important 
characteristic of the man which contributed largely to his 
remarkable success as a politician and in other channels in 
which the currents of his life flowed. His nature was such 
that he promptly accepted an acquaintance as a friend, 
without suspicion or reserve, and left it to time and events 
to write their judgment upon his trust in his fellow man. 

It is given to comparatively few men to meet their fel- 
lows with a geniality, an interest, and an affection such 
as our departed colleague's personality radiated. 

It was a natural gift bestowed upon him. 

There was no strained effort, no pose, no artificiality 
about him in his relations with others. Happiness seemed 
ever to be singing its joyous song in his heart, and in his 
smiling eyes, hearty handclasp, and cheery greeting others 
could catch the strain and echoes of its music and feel the 
happier therefor. 

Add to these traits of sunny disposition the sterling 
qualities of a strong character and it is plain to be seen 
why it was that in the counties of the second district, in 
a part of West Virginia where our civilization and enlight- 
enment in the mass attain their higiiest perfection, Wil- 
liam G. Brown was held in such great esteem and affection 
that, although a large majority of the people opposed his 

[57] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

political principles and his political party, they waived 
aside their opposition time and again and honored him 
with election to this House. 

There is no tribute to his memory, however beautifully 
it may be written nor however eloquently it may be 
spoken, that can equal the bare statement of that fact. 

In the death of our colleague we on this side of the 
House have no revision to make at his tomb of our opin- 
ions of him as a friend and coworker. 

There are no estimates of him to change nor no regrets 
to express over judgments we held of him when he was 
living. 

What we are here saying to-day in memory of him we 
could have said and did say to others of and about him 
when he was here in the flesh. 

Although our political ways lay along different routes, 
there was not petty and narrow-minded partisan feeling 
between us. 

Such as that never entered in the relations of Congress- 
man Brown with either his Republican colleagues here 
in this Chamber or in his relations with his Republican 
constituents. 

Many of his views on public questions, but by no means 
all of them, were opposite to ours. 

We did not question his sincerity, no more than he 
doubted the honesty of our convictions. 

He was too broad-minded a statesman, too honorable 
a gentleman, and too devoted a friend for that. 

On the contrary, it was no uncommon occurrence for 
some of us to seek discussion for the purpose of getting 
his viewpoint, frequently his counsel and advice; and it 
is a tribute to his high qualities of mind and heart that 
he could and did rise above all thought of partisan asso- 
ciation and advantage and, placing himself in our posi- 
tion, gave us the benefit of his ripened judgment and 
greater congressional experience. 

[58] 



Addhkss df Mh. C()()I»i;h, of \Vi:.st VimiiMA 

Mr. Speaker, I leave it to others more competent than 
1 am and more familiar with the events involved to take 
up step by step the progress of this man as shown in the 
biography of his successful and well-lived life. 

Under the circumstances of an all too brief friendship 
it is appropriate for me to weave my wreath to lay upon 
the altar of his beloved memory out of the impressions 
he made upon my heart and upon my mind. 

They were everlasting impressions. I shall never for- 
get them. 

They have helped me here in my short time as a Mem- 
ber, and I am sure that they will help me and be ever a 
pleasant and an inspiring memory till the end of my time 
upon earth. 

To William Gay Brown time is no more; it is eternity. 

There is no calendar there; no days, no nights; no sea- 
son coming and going; no reckoning by months and years. 

The sun goes no more down, but is ever in meridian. 

It is one infinite now — one eternal consciousness. 

While yet in love with life and raptured with the world, he 
passed to silence and pathetic dust. 



[59] 



Address of Mr. Davenport, of Oklahoma 

Mr. Speaker: We have assembled to-day to pay our 
last respects and to do honor to the memory of a com- 
rade who has fallen on the battle field of life's uncertain 
and great struggle; we mourn his loss and cherish his 
memory; we delight and love the recollection of his kind- 
ness and friendship; and we honor the high character, 
the sterling courage, and the purity of purpose that was 
so eminently portrayed in the life of our departed col- 
league. I ask no higher privilege and find no sweeter duty 
than the right to express my pleasant remembrance of our 
departed colleague, William G. Brown, Jr. He was born 
in Virginia, in that section of the State that afterwards 
became a part of West Virginia, and grew to manhood 
in the county of his birth. 

When he reached the years of maturity he selected as 
his profession and life's calling the law and in his chosen 
profession rose to a high standing amongst the members 
of the bar of his native State. Not only was he a lav^er 
of renown and prominence, but he became a first-class, 
successful business man, and so demeaned himself among 
the people with whom he transacted business that they 
imposed implicit confidence in his business ability, hon- 
esty, and integrity, that he was honored by his people to 
represent them in this Hall, where he made them a use- 
ful and honest Representative to the hour of his death. 

William G. Brown, Jr., or Junior Brown, as he was 
known by his friends, came to the House at the beginning 
of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress. It was 
my pleasure to meet him shortly after the session begun. 
We lived in the same hotel the greater part of the time, 
and I was with him in the lobby and around the hotel, 
where I had the opportunity to see his real character and 

[60] 



Address of Mn. Davlnpoht, oi Oklahoma 

the true nature of the man. He was kind, alTablc, polite, 
and gentle, having for everyone a pleasant sinile, a kind 
word, and a gentle and happy greeting. In the commit- 
tee room, in the House, or in private life, he possessed 
self-control, and exhibited that kindly spirit which made 
him a lovable companion, a wise counselor, and a danger- 
ous antagonist. His friends loved him, and his acquaint- 
ances sought his company. 

It was also my pleasure to be with him and his wife for 
eight weeks last year, on a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, 
and while on that trip I had the opportunity to see him, 
the real man, and study his character. Many happy hours 
we spent together, and it was on that trip that I saw the 
true nature and lovable spirit of our departed colleague 
displayed. He was always ready and willing to accede to 
the wishes of others and make any self-sacrifice that 
would tend to make others happy. I learned him as he 
was, and having learned him as I did, I learned to love 
him. He was a devoted husband and father, always ready 
and willing to grant the request of his dear wife and 
children and to do all in his power to make them enjoy 
themselves to the fullest extent. 

In the House he was universally liked, and in every rela- 
tion of life he was honored and respected. He was in the 
truest sense a patriot, loving his country and its institu- 
tions, and devoted to the happiness and welfare of all 
classes of its people. He extended friendship to the needy 
and never oppressed anyone. He was broad-minded and 
incapable of a meanness, and filled with love and kindness 
for his neighbor and friend. Truly, such a life as he lived 
did not end when deatii came. Let us believe that it was 
the beginning of a higher and broader existence in the 
world beyond, and that the earthly activities of our de- 
parted colleague and friend were but the prelude to a life 
of greater beauty, of grander aspirations, and of nobler 



[61] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

achievements. He died at his post of duty; his character 
was strong; his standard lofty. He left us the good ex- 
ample of Ms life, and to his family he left the heritage of 
a good name. 

When Earth's last picture is painted. 

And the tubes are twisted and dried, 
When the oldest colors have faded. 

And the youngest critic has died. 
We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it — 

Lie down for an aeon or two; 
Till the Master of all good workmen 

Shall set us to work anew. 

And only the Master shall praise us. 

And only the Master shall blame; 
And no one shall work for money. 

And no one shall work for fame; 
But each for the joy of the working. 

And each in his separate star 
Shall draw the Thing as he sees it 

For the God of Things as They Are I 



[62] 



Address of Mr. Ashbrook, of Ohio 

Mr. Speaker: I feel it my duty to pay a brief tribute 
to the memory of my good friend, William G. Brown, Jr., 
of West Virginia. The greatest reward of service here 
is the opportunity afTorded to help those who need help, 
to brighten the pathway of others, and the lasting friend- 
ships gained by our daily associations in this Chamber, 
in the committees, and our social relations. I knew our 
friend well. I had high admiration for him. He was one 
of the most companionable men I ever knew. There 
was nothing petty or mean in Junior Brown. Frank, un- 
ostentatious, generous, cheerful, courteous, ever seeking 
an opportunity to do something for his friends, never 
imposing upon them, big hearted, optimistic, considerate, 
kind, and true as steel. These were some of the many 
good qualities of our friend who was so ruthlessly called 
to his reward. 

It is surprising when we stop to reflect how many 
Members have been summoned hence during the past 10 
years. We can truly say, " Few know so many friends 
alive as dead." When younger than I am to-day I recall 
hearing my best friend, my mother, now with the pure 
in heart, sadly say, " The most of my friends sleep on 
yon hill." As we reach and pass middle life this sad fact 
becomes true to all. Our most priceless possessions are 
the memories of those who were near and dear in life. 
We love, then, to recount their good deeds and acts of 
kindness. In my list of friends worth while and no 
longer here I will ever prize and cherish my acquaintance 
with Junior Brown. 

When his death was announced it scarce seemed pos- 
sible that it was true. Less llian a week previous 1 saw 
him at my hotel, seated as host at a dinner table with a 

92110^-17 3 [G3] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

dozen or more of his constituents, gay and happy as he 
always was when he had the opportunity to entertain his 
friends. A week later a little mound covered his mortal 
remains in his home-town cemetery. Truly, in the midst 
of life we are in death. 

The life, character, and public services of William G. 
Brown, Jr., have already been exemplified by others more 
capable than I am. It avails naught to now praise or 
misstate fact. I could not pay a higher tribute than to 
say that those who knew him best loved him most. I am 
glad that I knew him. His life is an inspiration to me. 
He did not live for self alone. He freely shared his pros- 
perity with those less fortunate, and the honors heaped 
upon him did not exalt him in his own estimate of him- 
self. He was always and to the end a splendid specimen 
of what man should be — lovable, courageous, generous, 
and high minded. 

Mr. LiTTLEPAGE. Mr. Speaker, I present a resolution 
adopted by the West Virginia Society of the District of 
Columbia, and ask unanimous consent that it be incor- 
porated in the Record. 

The Speaker pro tempore. The gentleman from West 
Virginia [Mr. Littlepage] presents a resolution which was 
adopted by the West Virginia Society of the District of 
Columbia with respect to Mr. Brown, and asks that it be 
incorporated by unanimous consent in the Record. Is 
there objection? 

There was no objection. 

Following is the resolution referred to : 

Gen. W. W. Scott, first vice president of the West Virginia 
Society of the District of Columbia, presented the following 
memorial at a meeting of the society Friday evening, April 7, 
1916, at Pythian Temple, "Washington, D. C, which was unani- 
mously adopted, spread upon the minutes of the society, and a 
copy transmitted to the widow of the deceased: 

[64] 



PlU)CLEI)lNCiS IN THE IloliSi; 



" Mr. President and members of the West Virginia Society: On 
March 9, 1916, William G. Brown, Jr., a Member of Congress 
from the second congressional district and a member of the West 
Virginia Society, died in this city. 

"Mr. Brown was born at Kingwood, Va. (now West Virginia), 
April 7, 1856, in the same place where his father was born in 
1800. He obtained his education in the common schools of the 
State and at the university, and at an early age was admitted to 
the bar and practiced the profession of law and engaged in the 
banking and farming business up to the time of his death at the 
age of 60. 

" In Mr. Brown's death the State has lost a true citizen and 
eminent statesman, and those who knew him a loyal friend. One 
of Mr. Brown's characteristics was his loyalty and faithfulness to 
his friends, and it is doubted if any man ever lived who loved the 
friendship of his fellow men more than did Mr. Brown; and no 
one, either in public or private life, could count so many friends 
as could * Junior ' Brown, as he was lovingly known by his 
friends througliout the length and breadth of his State. 

" Those who knew * Junior ' Brown well know of a tender side 
he had to his character and which was irresistible to everyone 
with whom he came in contact, for 

" ' None knew him but to love him. 
None named him but to praise.' " 

Henry S. Baker, 

President. 
Wm. T. George, 
Correspondiiifi Secretary. 

Mr. KiTCHiN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now 
adjourn. 

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 1 o'clock and 
56 minutes p. m.) the House adjourned until to-morrow, 
Monday, April 17, 1916, at 12 o'clock noon. 



[65] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

Monday, February 26, 1917. 
The committee informally rose; and Mr. Houston hav- 
ing taken the chair as Speaker pro tempore, a message 
from the Senate, by Mr. Crockett, one of its clerks, an- 
nounced that the Senate had passed the following resolu- 
tions : 

Resolved, That the Senate express its profound sorrow on 
account of the death of the Hon. William G. Brown, Jr., late a 
Member of the House of Representatives from the State of West 
Virginia. 

Resolved, That the business of the Senate be now suspended in 
order that fitting tribute may be paid to his high character and 
distinguished public services. 

Resolved, Tliat the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- 
lutions to tlie House of Representatives and to the family of the 
deceased. 

Also: 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of 
Mr. Finley, Mr. Tribble, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Moss the Senate 
do now adjourn. 



[66] 



Prot.eedinc.s in tiik Shnate 

Thursday, March 9, 1916. 

Mr. Chilton. Mr. President, Hon. William G. Bhown, 
Jr., Member of the House of Representatives from the 
second congressional district of West Virginia, died a few 
hours ago at his residence in this city. He had been a 
Member of the House since 1911, and was the oldest in 
service of the membership of that body from my State. 

To me this is a personal bereavement; to my State and 
his district it is a signal loss; and when I think of his de- 
pendent family and his circle of devoted friends at home 
I fail to find words to express the depths of my sympathy. 
He was an able, earnest, effective man and public servant, 
a reliable friend, a public-spirited citizen, and a devoted 
husband and father. 

At some future time I shall ask the Senate to set apart a 
day when appropriate memorial services may be held that 
his friends here may express their appreciation of his 
public and private life. 

I now offer the resolutions which I send to the desk and 
ask for their immediate consideration. 

The President pro tempore. The resolutions will be 
read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the 
announcement of the (hath of the I Ton. William G. Brown, Jr., 
late a Representative from the State of West Virginia. 

Resolved, That a committee of 10 Senators be appointed by the 
President pro tempore to join tlie committee appointed on the 
part of the House of lU'presenlatives to attend tlie funeral of the 
deceased Representative. 

[67] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

The President pro tempore. The question is on agreeing 
to the resolutions. 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 

The President pro tempore. Under the provision of the 
second resolution the Chair appoints, as the committee on 
the part of the Senate, Mr. Chilton, Mr. Underwood, Mr. 
James, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Ashurst, Mr. Martine of New 
Jersey, Mr. Goff, Mr. Gallinger, Mr. Cummins, and Mr. 
Clapp. 

Mr. Chilton. I also offer the resolution which I send to 
the desk. 

The President pro tempore. The resolution will be 
read. 

The Secretary read the resolution, as follows : 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of 
the deceased the Senate do now adjourn. 

The resolution was unanimously agreed to; and (at 5 
o'clock and 45 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until 
to-morrow, Friday, March 10, 1916, at 12 o'clock meridian. 

Friday, February 2, 1917. 
Mr. Chilton. Mr. President, I wish to give notice that 
on Saturday, the 24th of February, I will ask the Senate 
to take appropriate action upon the life and character 
of the late William G. Brown, Jr., and the late Hunter H. 
Moss, Jr., Representatives from West Virginia in Con- 
gress, who have died during the present session. 



Wednesday, February 21, 1917. 
Mr. Kern. The Senator from West Virginia [Mr. Chil- 
ton] gave notice that on Saturday, the 24th instant, he 
would ask the Senate to take action touching the life, 

[68] 



PROCnFIMNC.S IN THE SeNATF 



character, and public services of the hite Representative 
William G. Brown and the late Representative II. H. 
Moss, of West Virginia. Later the Senator from South 
Carolina [Mr. Tillman] gave notice that he would ask 
the Senate on the same day to take action regarding the 
death of the late Representative Finley. 

The Presiding Officer. If the Senator will pardon the 
Chair, it is desired that he shall ask that the service also 
include memorial addresses upon the late Representative 
Tribble, of Georgia. 

Mr. Kern. I will also include memorial addresses on 
the late Representative Tribble, of Georgia. The Sena- 
tors I named asked me to request unanimous consent 
that the Senate meet on Sunday, the 25th instant, at 2 
o'clock in the afternoon, to consider resolutions on the 
death of these deceased Representatives. 

The Presiding Officer. Is there objection? 

Mr. Jones. What was the request? 

The Presiding Officer. The request was that the Sen- 
ate hold memorial services for certain deceased Members 
of the House of Representatives on Sunday, the 25th, at 
2 o'clock p. m. Without objection, it is so ordered. 



Sunday, February 25, i917. 

The Senate reassembled at 2 o'clock p. m., on the ex- 
piration of the recess. 

Mr. Chilton. Mr. President, I ask that the resolutions 
of Iho House of Representatives on the death of llie late 
Representative Brown, of West Virginia, be laid before 
the Senate. 

The President pro tempore. The Chair lays before the 
Senate the resolutions of the House of Representatives, 
which will be read. 

[69] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows : 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended, 
that opportunity may be given for tributes to the memory of 
Hon. William G. Brown, Jr., late a Member of this House from the 
State of West Virginia. 

Resolved, That as a particular mark of respect to the memory 
of the deceased, and in recognition of his distinguished public 
career, the House, at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand 
adjourned. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the 
Senate. 

Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the 
family of the deceased. 

Mr. Chilton. Mr. President, I offer the resolutions which 
I send to the desk, and ask for their immediate consider- 
ation. 

The President pro tempore. The Secretary will read the 
resolutions. 

The Secretary read the resolutions (S. Res. 375), as fol- 
lows: 

Resolved, That the Senate expresses its profound sorrow on 
account of the death of the Hon. William G. Brown, Jr., late a 
Member of the House of Representatives from the State of West 
Virginia. 

Resolved, That the business of the Senate be now suspended in 
order that fitting tributes may be paid to his high character and 
distinguished public services. 

Resolved, That the Secretary communicate a copy of these reso- 
lutions to the House of Representatives and to the family of the 
deceased. 



[70] 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Addfiess of Mr. Chilton, of West Virginia 

Mr. President: This day has been set apart as a time 
upon which to pay a tribute of love and respect on the part 
of the Senate of the United States to the late William Gay 
Brown, Jr., who, at the time of his death, on the 9th day 
of March, 1916, was a Member of the House of Represent- 
atives, serving his third term in that body. He was born 
on the 7th day of April, 1856, at Kingwood, then in the 
State of Virginia, now a county of West Virginia. His 
father, William Gay Brown, sr., was born in the year 
1800 at the same place, and his grandfather, James Brown, 
originally from Ireland, came over the mountains from 
Pennsylvania and settled at the same point in 1789. The 
elder William G. Brown was elected to Congress in 1845, 
1847, and again in 1801 and 1863, and was a member of 
the Virginia convention in 1861, at Richmond. His mother 
was Miss Gay, who lived to see her distinguished son a 
Member of Congress. She was a vei-y remarkable woman. 
She was a peculiar combination of strong business quali- 
ties with all of the motherly tenderness, ever retaining the 
love of home and exhibiting a tender care of her family. 
It is well known that our deceased friend often referred 
to the fact that his father had been a Member of Congress 
and the ambition of his mother tlial he should likewise 
become a Member as the controlling reasons for his enter- 
ing politics. Anyone who knew the mother and had 
studied the strong (jualities of his father would naturally 
come to the conclusion that a strong, virile man like our 



[71] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

deceased colleague would inevitably be stimulated by the 
two inspirations, one the father's success, the other the 
mother's love and ambition. Thus we find that early in 
life he resolved to overcome the adverse political majority 
which confronted him, and he never was satisfied until he 
gratified his mother's ambition and followed in the foot- 
steps of his distinguished father to the Halls of Congress. 
He was married in 1883 to Miss Jessie Thomas, of Tyrone, 
Pa., who died in 1886. By this marriage there was one 
child, Mrs. Robert L. Brown, of Kingwood. In 1902 he 
married Miss Flora B. Martin, who died in September, 
1912. On December 6, 1914, he was married to Miss Izetta 
Jewel Kenney, of Babylon, Long Island, N. Y., who survives 
him with an infant daughter, 1 year of age. 

He was educated in the common schools of West Vir- 
ginia and then attended the university of his native State, 
at Morgantown, where he graduated in the class of 1877 
and at once entered upon a business, professional, and 
public career which was full of success, achievement, and 
honor. While at the university he was a roommate of his 
cousin, the late J. P. Dolliver, afterwards United States 
Senator from Iowa. In fact, during a part of the time that 
he was at the university he boarded at the house of Dolli- 
ver's father, and the two young men were congenial rela- 
tives, as well as inseparable friends. This friendship 
lasted till Senator Dolliver's death, and he had no warmer 
friend and more ardent admirer than Mr. Brown. 

The splendid old county of Preston, where he was born, 
has produced many distinguished men. It might be well 
content with the honor of the two Browns and the great 
Dolliver, but it can boast of still others. Maj. Gen. M. I. 
Ludington, retired, who was Quartermaster General dur- 
ing the Spanish-American War; James C. McGrew, who 
was elected to Congress from the second district in 1868 
and 1870, and declined a third term; Maj. Gen. Godwin, 



[72] 



Addiu.ss of Mk. Chilton, of \Vi;sr \'iiuiiNiA 

now retired; lion. P. J. Crogan, one of the really great 
lawyers of the two Virginias; the late William M. O. 
Dawson, who was for many years the leader of his party 
and was governor of his State, and who died within a 
few days after the death of Mr. Brown, are among the 
distinguished men whom this mountain county of West 
Virginia produced. II is neither a back nor a backward 
county. It is wild only in the Switzerland-like beauty of 
its mountains, valleys, green forests, brooks, and rivers. 
Here the brook leaps and bounds over precipice and bowl- 
der, making a symphony of waterfall and a cantata of 
gurgling rill and sweeping stream; the high mountains, 
the gigantic forests, the broad valleys, and the deep jun- 
gle are sometimes the frame, then the picture, as the sun 
and cloud shift the kaleidoscope for man's pleasure and 
inspiration. Beauty, grandeur, power, and repose stimu- 
late the imagination and beckon to healthy pursuits and 
noble aspirations. 

Beneath the surface are found the well-known seams 
of West Virginia coal and oil and gas. Nature has indeed 
been prodigal. The soil yields the cereals, the moun- 
tains the timber, the bowels of tlie earth give up the coal, 
oil, and gas; but man in his quest has never succeeded 
in destroying the grandeur of its valleys, the never-fail- 
ing perfume of the mountain flowers, the music of the 
rushing waters, nor the harmony of sunshine, waterfall, 
mountain, valley, and river. The railroads have come, 
and with them the towns, the factories, the busy shops, 
the mines, the oil derrick, the gas and oil pipe lines, but 
these have but made a frame to the picture or a contrast 
to bring out the inspiring beauty and grandeur of nature's 
work. Wealth has come, and with it the fine homes, 
large buildings, and factories, but everywhere in Preston 
County there is still beauty, flowers, and grandeur. It is 
still the place wherein strong men are reared; it is a place 



[73] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

where tired man loves to resort and where the vigor 
of nature seems to be communicated to the human being. 
Here he was born and educated and spent his life, and 
both the man and the life typified the same variety of 
strength, ruggedness, power, beauty, repose, and useful- 
ness. Nature kissed him and called him blessed, as it 
had his birthplace and home. 

The elder Brown left to his family not only the heritage 
of a well-spent life in his professional business and pub- 
lic career, but also substantial property in bank stock, 
farms, live stock, and valuable securities. Our deceased 
friend was not compelled to work, but he did. He had 
ample without practicing law, but he entered upon his 
profession with the same vim that is expected from one 
who is forced to earn his own living. 

In addition to this, he took charge of his father's im- 
mense business affairs and made a success of every one of 
them. He improved the farms, managed the banks, and 
conducted the business with eminent success. He was a 
typical, all-around West Virginian. He was a lawyer, 
farmer, banker, and publisher. He had a good law prac- 
tice, managed several farms, was president and director 
of one bank and interested in others, and published an 
influential newspaper. He attended the bar associations, 
the farmers' meetings, the bankers' conventions, and the 
newspaper men's organizations. To all of them he 
brought original thought, heartj'^ cooperation, active and 
intelligent participation, and always good cheer. Every- 
one was glad when he came and sorry when he left. He 
permitted no social demands to cause him to disappoint 
his business associates, and yet he never allowed his im- 
mense and varied business and professional occupations 
to so absorb him as to diminish or destroy his interest and 
pleasure in every social function. In dress suit or over- 
alls, he was nothing less, nothing more than Junior Brown, 



[74] 



Address of Mh. Chilton, of Wfst Virginia 

always 100 per cent efficient, always approachable, never 
unreasonable, and while ever persistent and earnest in 
doing his tasks, he was never dogmatic nor arbitrary with 
friend or foe. I sometimes think that he literally wore 
himself out in his elforts to attend to his private business 
without neglecting a single ollicial duty and at the same 
time endeavoring to listen and respond to everj' appeal 
to his big heart from those in distress. 

His colleagues in the House know that he was a faith- 
ful attendant upon the sessions of the House, and yet he 
and his secretary kept an automobile going practically all 
the time in running to the departments looking after the 
requests and inquiries which came to him from the people 
of his district. No one will ever know the extent of his 
bounty, the cases of distress which he relieved, the boys 
and girls whom he helped educate, the friends he relieved 
in a quiet way, and the thousands of acts of charity which 
he did in a true Christianlike spirit. Enough have been 
known to show that it was practically impossible for 
him to turn away from distress. He loaned money where 
there was practically no chance of ever having it returned. 
He helped friends who became embarrassed with trust 
funds with no hope of reward except that consciousness 
within, which brings inestimable treasures to the soul. 
His big heart did not inquire into the details of the cases 
of distress. The straitened sutt'erer who went to him re- 
ceived no lectures upon economy nor the rules of health. 
He had learned that hunger is hunger, no matter what 
chain of circumstances had made the human being its vic- 
tim. With him heartache was as hard to bear alone 
when the victim's fault contributed to it as it was when 
no one was to blanic. The old soldier, his family and 
children were as much the recipient of Junior Brown's 
benevolent bounty as they were of his unceasing care and 
attention in the Halls of Congress. Truly he went about 



[75] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

his tasks spreading sunshine to his fellow man, mingling 
good cheer, charity, and kindness with practicing law, 
farming, banking, publishing, and congressional duties. 
He built and improved, advised and helped. He trusted 
humanity as he wanted it to trust him; made friends 
because he knew how to be a friend; accomplished things 
because he had a well-trained mind and a ready hand; 
met difficulties with a strength and directness that beat 
down opposition. He lived in the world as it is but never 
neglected an opportunity to make it better. He had lofty 
ideals and dreamed even the poet's dreams without any 
diminution of his efficiency. He was a lifelong Democrat, 
never failing to contribute of his means to his party's suc- 
cess. Although he lived always in a county that was 
largely Republican, he and his newspaper always kept 
Democracy to the front and never yielded anything in 
principle for temporary success. 

When he carried his county in his race for Congress 
every Republican who voted for him knew that he was 
voting for a Democrat who believed in Democratic prin- 
ciples and would vote for those principles, as he under- 
stood them, in the Halls of Congress. They voted for him 
because they knew that he would not deceive them, and 
because they believed that in the thousands of things out- 
side of politics he had worked and would continue to 
work indefatigably for every man in the county as his 
friend. His strong personality, his beautiful character, 
his healthy life, his devotion to his mother, his successful 
business and professional career, his lively interest in all 
religious, social, and economic movements; his open, 
frank, and sensible course in every emergency had im- 
pressed the people of his county, and the voters broke 
political ties and voted for him, meaning thereby to honor 
and trust their distinguished citizen and personal friend. 
After he had served his people one term and had begun to 
know the district the same high opinion in which he was 

[76] 



AnnHESs of Mr. Chilton, of West VintiiNiA 

held in his county became general, and it was perfectly 
evident that no man in that district could defeat him, 
whatever might be the political issues. He was strong be- 
cause he was able, candid, earnest, faithful, useful, and 
good. 

I first met " Junior " Brown, as he is known all over 
West Virginia, when he and I were very young. The 
friendship then formed grew closer and firmer until the 
day of his death. I entered the Senate when he entered the 
other House of Congress, and we were almost constantly 
together, socially and officially. I know of his devotion to 
the people of West Virginia, and especially to the people 
in his district and his county. He never tired of serving 
them as a whole or as individuals. He worked night and 
day for their interests, and there never was a more faith- 
ful, hard-w^orking, capable Member of Congress than he. 
He w^as fair, frank, and noble in every relation of life. 

There is an amusing and a touching incident which 
illustrates both the character of Junior Brown and also 
proves that the child is very apt to foreshadow the man. 
I have referred to the fact that the late Jonathan P. Dol- 
liver, of Iowa, was the cousin of Junior Brown, and that 
they were children together, sharing each other's joys 
and sorrows. Dolliver's parents were poor, and the first 
years of that great man's life in the mountains of West 
Virginia were spent amidst surroundings which, while 
in every way respectable, were far from luxurious. On 
the other hand, the young Brown's parents were well- 
to-do. He had everything that a boy could reasonably 
want and was always the object of the most tender solici- 
tude of his fond parents. On one occasion when the two 
boys were scheduled to attend some function together 
young Brown's parents insisted upon his wearing shoes, 
which he put on, and started for the party or picnic, or 
wliatever it was; but knowing that his friend and play- 



[77] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

mate, young Dolliver, would not have shoes, young 
Brown, as soon as he had gotten around the turn of the 
road, took of his shoes, hid them, and went to the picnic 
barefooted, as was his friend and playmate. Returning, 
he put on the shoes before appearing at the parental 
home. He chose to be on equal terms with his boyhood 
friend, and sacrificed pride to accomplish his purpose. 
The delicious touch to this incident was the studied effort 
to relieve his little friend of any mortification over a 
difference in dress, and the concealment of the plan so 
that young Dolliver would not know of the boyhood sac- 
rifice. This is an illustration of genuine friendship and 
loyal companionship, and foreshadowed the man Junior 
Brown in his private and public life. His proprietorship 
of worldly goods never spoiled him and never inspired 
him to do an act or assume a position at all affected by 
the power of wealth. He never tried to use his money or 
his private or political power for supremacy. He con- 
stantly sought the human level, spurning friendships that 
were not based upon merit or a victory not attained by 
intellectual or moral forces. Money and power were 
to him a trust. He was incapable of being cruel, arbi- 
trary, dishonest, or unfair. He trod the earth unafraid, 
because he had the consciousness of using his own means 
and power with justice as a guide. This faith and con- 
fidence in his fellow man automatically inspired faith 
in him. 

On the Saturday before his death I was invited with 
other Members of Congress from his State to a dinner 
which he was giving to the members of the congressional 
committee from his district. Unfortunately I was com- 
pelled on the day of the dinner to tell him that I could 
not attend, owing to other engagements which were press- 
ing. At that dinner 13 sat down to the table on Saturday 
night, and on the next Tuesday morning he was stricken 



[78] 



Address of Mh. Chilton, of West Vihoima 

with apoplexy and died on the second day afterwards 
without regaining consciousness. 01" course, there is noth- 
ing in sitting down to a dinner with 13, and yet I can not 
suppress a rogret that I did not go to make the fourteenth. 
This loss is not Preston County's, for this man helonged to 
the State. His district and State need such men, and they 
feel that one of their distinguished men has been called 
away while in the vigor of his physical manhood and 
just as he was finally placed for usefulness. He had im- 
proved his time in the House and was recognized as a 
Member who studied public questions, attended his com- 
mittee meetings, and was a force to be reckoned with. He 
spoke when he had something to say; stated his proposi- 
tions clearly and systematically; argued them when neces- 
sary; but rarely ever undertook to indulge in ornamenta- 
tion of speech. He probably knew intimately more of his 
colleagues than any man in the House. His frankness, 
good sense, and sunny disposition made an asset that en- 
abled him to accomplish much with little public discus- 
sion. 

Success is relative. It depends upon many things past 
and present. The measure of an accomplishment de- 
pends upon the amount of resistance. The heights at- 
tained in business or politics are gauged by the surround- 
ings and the obstacles. .Junior Brown became a success- 
ful man notwithstanding the handicap of wealth in youth. 
Thousands of young men have failed because they had 
money with which to gratify the appetites. We often 
extol the poor boy who has risen in spite of poverty. Let 
us be candid and admit that poverty in youth has its ad- 
vantages as well as disadvantages. The young man who 
has wealth must run the gauntlet of temptation as the 
young m;m without means must carry the lunulicap of 
enforced work. 



92440°— 17 6 [79] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

Lincoln's inspiration and vision may have pierced his 
soul because of some struggle with poverty and adverse 
conditions which might not have intervened had he been 
in easy financial circumstances. Jefferson might not have 
been able to fathom the philosophy of self-government 
and the whole gamut of human liberty had he not been 
given a liberal education and the means which enabled 
him to pursue his studies without much care for his living 
expenses. The American heart loves the boy who strug- 
gles against poverty and ignorance to secure opportunity 
for genius and enterprise, and it is equally as generous in 
its praise for young millionaires, like Vincent Astor, who 
enlist for their country's service and leave luxury and 
ease for duty amid hardship and exposure in the trenches. 

After all, rich or poor, each individual must tread the 
wine press of temptation or poverty alone. The poor 
Dolliver or the well-to-do Brown must have strength of 
body and mind, solidity of character, habits of work, to 
rise in the fierce struggle for life's prizes. Both had the 
physique, the head, the heart, to persevere in their tasks, 
to consecrate manhood and honor, to love their fellow 
man. Each added a gem to the crown of West Virginia. 

It was a benevolent dispensation of Providence that 
saved this kind-hearted, brave man from the pain and 
struggles of death. A kindly hand brought the message 
without a warning to distress or pain him, and he passed 
away to solve alone the great mystery — " If a man die, yet 
shall he live again." 

He goes to the reward of the Christian who wrote liis 
title to eternal happiness upon the hearts of his fellow 
man with whom he mingled here on earth. His funeral 
cortege was met in the dead of winter in the beautiful little 
town of Kingwood by people from every walk of life. It 
was painful and yet interesting to see the signs of distress 
among all the people. It did not take a close observer to 



[80] 



Ai)i)Hi;ss OF Mh. Cmi/roN, or Wkst Vihoima 

tell that he had been beloved by his people. Sadness could 
be read in the faces of even the children. It was not a 
formal funeral, but from all sections of the country and 
from all parts of the State friends who loved him while 
he lived genuinely mourned his death. Death is but the 
promise and the beginning of a new life, and if it be the 
true work of a Christian to help one's fellow man and " do 
unto others as we would have others do unto us," then 
Junior Brown in his life performed that full measure of 
duty which attaches to his profession of faith and his 
membership in a Christian church, and his spirit is now 
enjoying that bliss eternal which is promised by the Bible. 



[81] 



Address of Mr. Hughes, of New Jersey 

Mr. President: I had the privilege of serving with the 
Hon. William G. Brown, late Representative in Congress 
from the State of West Virginia, and had for him the 
affection and esteem which all had who, like me, knew 
him through that association. 

He was one of those rare individuals with whom friend- 
ship and affection were not matters of slow growth, and 
from our first meeting I felt toward him as though he 
had been a lifelong friend. He was generous and cour- 
teous to those with whom he came in contact, and I think 
it can be truly said of him that no man ever came to injury 
through a transaction he had with William G. Brown-. 

He was one of those endowed by nature with a warm 
sympathj^ for and a broad understanding of humanity, 
despite its frailties and imperfections. I never heard him 
say a harsh word to a human being, and nature seemed 
to have endowed him with a knowledge of the great truth, 
one of the greatest of all truths, that " to understand all 
is to forgive all." 

Taking him all in all, I never met a man in the course of 
my long association here with men from every section of 
our great land who did more to make me feel that there 
was something about our people, our institutions, our Gov- 
ernment, our national spirit that was calculated to make 
this Nation lasting and secure. 

He was an industrious, patriotic, and able legislator, 
single-mindedly devoted to the interests of those whom 
he represented in Congress, with an eye ever on the larger 
interests of the Nation which he loved and served. All 
that strength of mind, nobility of character, and loftiness 
of purpose could give him he brought to the service of 
the State and the Nation. So that as public servant and 

[82] 



Address of Mr. Hughes, of New Jersey 

as private citizen he did the work each day wfiich came 
to his hand and needed to he done, not reluctantly and 
grudgingly, hut with the optimism and enthusiasm of one 
who took pleasure in the performance of a dilTicult but 
necessary task. 

And so we say to those whom he leaves behind, we, too, 
treasure the memory of your lost one; we note his ab- 
sence with a pang, less poignant perhaps than yours, but 
none the less real. We join those who mourn the ab- 
sence of one who left the world better than he found it, 
and we indulge the hope that we ourselves may earn that 
consciousness of right doing which enabled him to seek 
his last couch " sustained and soothed by an unfaltering 
trust like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about 
him and lies down to pleasant dreams." 

Unspoiled by wealth, unstained by contact with the 
sordid things of the world, the memory of William G. 
Brown will live long in the hearts of those who knew and 
trusted him. His epitaph is inscribed on those hearts in 
the words " He was my friend, faithful and just to me." 



[83] 



Address of Mr. Clapp, of Minnesota 

Mr. President: These services are a solemn admonition 
that death is ever stalking in our midst. In the 16 years 
which I have served in this body 41 Members of the Senate 
have died in service and 35 have died after their service 
here had terminated. Some one has expressed the senti- 
ment " bring me flow^ers while I am living rather than 
strew them upon my grave." That sentiment broadened 
into a recognition of the duty we owe those around us, of 
the duty of making our pathway a ray of sunshine to 
others, is a noble sentiment, but if brought down to the 
individual there is always a possibility that favors done 
the living and shown the living may have back of them 
the thought of favors to be returned. However, the flow- 
ers which we strew upon the graves, the words we say of 
those who are gone, can have no such thought lurking 
behind them. 

We come to-day to pay our heartfelt tribute to the mem- 
ory of one who has departed. While we may not know 
as to whether he is cognizant of this tribute, we do know 
that the genuine tribute of the living to the memory of 
the dead reflects itself in a broadened impulse to prompt 
those who live and pay the tribute. 

Man is not only dual in his nature, but he is many- 
sided in many ways. A man is largely the product of 
environment, and yet a strong man contributes to form 
the character of the institutions about him. 

Mr. Brown came from a section where the people were 
a sturdy people. Following him but a little time a great 
struggle came, and out of that great struggle a State was 
born. It must have required a strong and sturdy people to 
have evolved that condition, and Mr. Brown inherited and 
received from environment those attributes which con- 

[84] 



Addhkss of Mh. Ci.aimn or Minnksota 



tributetl to his own strong nature, to his own sturdy char- 
acter. On the other hand, he himself in turn left his 
impress upon those conditions and upon his environment. 

It is not my purpose to speak in detail of tlie life of 
Mr. Brown. There is one trait only that 1 shall dwell 
upon, and that was the great, broad, generous nature of 
our departed friend. Owing to circumstances beyond his 
own control, he was relieved of much of the stress that 
comes to so many of the boys and young men of our 
land, but, as has been well said, while poverty is a limi- 
tation, wealth too often also proves a limitation. While 
Mr. Brown did not have to meet and overcome the limi- 
tations of poverty as some have had to do, he did have 
to meet and overcome the limitations of wealth. In do- 
ing that he emerged with a great, generous nature, un- 
shriveled, untouched by the possession of wealth that he 
himself knew not the cost of, having largely inherited it. 
To my mind, sir, that is an evidence of strength of char- 
acter, and should be recalled in connection with his own 
character. 

His benefactions knew no limitations of party nor of 
favors received or expected. His generous nature, out 
from his kindly heart and with liberal hand, bestowed its 
benefactions with reference to need, that being the only 
test. He has gone, but he lives, and he will live, in the 
inspiration which he gave to those with whom he came 
in contact; and that generous, broad spirit of his will 
grow and expand through the activities of others inspired 
by him. 

The great mystery of life and death, in a definite sense, 
is as unsolved to-day as it was wlien the first mother felt 
within her a quickening life or later was astonished to 
find that life become cold and inanimate; but in all the 
time that has gone one great truth, among others, has 
come to us, and that is, that we do survive this life in the 



[85] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

spirit of our activities here operating upon others. When 
I contemplate the departure of one whom I have known 
and loved I am tempted to repeat the language of Whit- 
tier, addressed to the departed spirit of Sumner: 

Thou hast gone like one who takes his Hght and seeks his 

chamber, 
While I remain a little time to cover up the embers which still 

burn. 

While all time has thrown little light upon the great 
mystery, yet we have a guide; and by that guide men like 
Mr. Brown live and die. More and more, sir, we are com- 
ing to realize that, as the Master taught 19 centuries ago, 
love of God is love of man; service to God is service to 
man; and that the great sermon, after all, is wrought out 
in the gospel of man's service to man. Measured by that 
test, which had its sanction from the lips and the activities 
of the Master, we need little concern ourselves with the 
further solution of this mystery. It will be unfolded in 
time. We may well, I think, embody our thoughts upon 
that subject in the beautiful language of Longfellow: 

Ah, if the soul but poise and swing, 

Like the compass in its brazen ring, 
Ever steady, ever true, 
To the task and the toil we have to do. 

We shall sail securely and safely reach 

The fortunate isles, on whose shining beach 
The sights we see and the sounds we hear 
Will be those of joy, and not of fear. 



[86] 



Address of Mr. Ki:rn, of Indiana 

Mr. President: I became acquainted with William G. 
Brown, of West Virginia, in the spring of 1911, soon after 
I came to Washington. For four years or more we lived 
in the same hotel, and our acquaintance became so close 
and intimate that I had full opportunity to form a just 
estimate of his character. First of all, he was a thorough 
gentleman, urbane and courteous, gentle and dignified in 
manner, easily winning the confidence and respect of all 
who met him. Then, added to his dignity and courtesy 
was the possession of a great heart and kindly spirit, 
which captivated the men and women who knew him well, 
so that he was always rich in the friendship of all his 
associates. 

When our acquaintance had ripened into a friendship, 
the memory of wiiich 1 shall always cherish, and when I 
observed the noble qualities of head and heart which 
greatly distinguished him, I could readily understand why 
his neighbors, regardless of party, rallied about him in 
his contests, and, forgetting political differences, remem- 
bered only his greatness of heart and nobility of soul and 
cast their ballots accordingly. 

His was a knightly and chivalrous soul, and in the pres- 
ence of ladies he was the very embodiment of ])oliteness 
and courtesy. His devotion to family was so marked as 
to command the attention of all who were brought in con- 
tact with them. He brought to Congress an intelligent 
and accurate knowledge of public aflairs and addressed 
himself to his duties with great ability and rare fidelity. 
No district in the United States ever had a more faithful, 
conscientious, and patriotic Representative in Congress 
than did the second district of West Virginia in the person 
of William G. Brown. He loved his native State and 

[87] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

gloried in her history and traditions, and right loyally did 
he espouse every measure that he believed would promote 
her honor and welfare and add to the happiness and pros- 
perity of her people. 

The divine Master, when on earth, declared that those 
who loved the Lord and their neighbors as themselves 
should surely inherit eternal life. Accepting this as the 
highest and most conclusive declaration on this all-impor- 
tant question, there can be no doubt but the future hap- 
piness of our friend is assured. He proved his love of 
God by his exemplary and useful life, eschewing evil and 
observing the important commands of the Master, and 
there is a cloud of witnesses to bear testimony that he 
loved his neighbor as himself. 

Sir, in more than a third of a century of public life I 
have met and known a large number of public men of all 
parties and from all sections of the country, but I never 
knew a man of nobler instincts, higher ideals, or a keener 
appreciation of public duty than this friend of mine, who 
lived for his family, his friends, and his State, and who, 
when he came to die, left as a heritage to his loved ones 
the unstained record of an honorable and blameless life. 

Peace to his ashes; honor to his memory! 



[88] 



Address of Mr. Lewis, of Illinois 

Mr, President and Senators: I have not participated 
frequently in proceedings which we call obituary, and 
yet to my thinking there is nothing wc do which in its 
eftect is so far-reaching upon the young. There is noth- 
ing we do. Senators, which so greatly influences the aspir- 
ing mind as the certificate we give to the public servant 
of his country' according to his merit and measured by 
his tried work. I was not on the list to respond to-day. 
It is only at this moment that I am solicited for expression 
by Senator Chilton, the dear friend of the distinguished 
Congressman and long my dear companion. 

Senators, I was a student, battling, as many of us have 
done, between the University of Virginia and toiling at 
whatever I could get in an office to maintain myself. 
I went to the city of Savannah, where my relatives were, 
and through the influence of some of them got a position 
between the sessions of the university as a clerk in a law 
office in Savannah. There was put into my hands dur- 
ing the summer in some way the bound volume of the 
obituaries upon Julian Hartridge, a Member of Congress 
from Georgia, who had been a member of the law firm 
which I was then permitted to serve in this obscure posi- 
tion. To this minute my mind returns to the observa- 
tions of a man by the name of Martin Maginnis, of the 
State of Montana (then doubtless a Territory, for that 
was in 1888). I remember llie impression his reference 
to tlie influence of the personal character of this man 
Hartridge — of his genial kindness, and of the little things 
of goodness he did of which he never spoke. These made 
a solemn impress upon me. I refiected how any man 
might long to live such a life that those who knew him 

[89] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Brown 

intimately could, when he is dead, speak of those things 
which really mark the human being and his real value 
in life — his kindnesses, obscure and unknown to the pub- 
lic, extended to the miserable, the oppressed, and to those 
who are not so situated that they can reward the largess 
of favor. It left on me a strong conviction that, after all, 
the noblest trait of a man is the doing of good to the 
needy, and that if he is to be remembered at all he should 
be remembered for that, and for that loved and praised. 

I have never failed. Senators, as I have listened to obit- 
uaries since I have come to public life, to look for those 
little tributes which may be presented by men who have 
known the subject of the obituary in that personal, inti- 
mate way. 

Many men. Senators, may rise to where they may ful- 
mine, as it were, upon the great public questions of the 
day. They may light the torch of eloquence and send it 
flaming against the skies in the eventful hour of an ex- 
cited world. They may present from time to time sugges- 
tions of statesmanship that may serve the expedience of 
the hour, and these great events, like unto peaks along the 
mountain ridges, may be pointed to as evidences of their 
great mental power. These things, however, are only 
periods in a man's life — they flash and fade. They are 
the extraordinary and unusual. They serve only the 
unusual and extraordinary conditions. Mr. President, it 
is the even tenor of the way of life wherein a man in- 
scribes himself that his real worth is demonstrated. It 
is in the little things he does for unimportant fellow man 
which mark him as to whether he was really worthy of 
the love of his fellow citizens and the confidence of his 
countrymen. It is such as this that tests if he deserves to 
be remembered in kindly speech and gentle praise after- 
wards. It is here where he may be certified as being 
worthy of the certificate given him by his neighbors as a 

[90] 



Address of Mu. Lewis, or Illinois 



worthy man and by his fellow citizens as entitled to he 
cnihalnied in praise. 

Mr. President. I was a Member of Congress from the 
State of Washington, representing tliat State at large, 
when a kindly faced gentleman, ruddy and genial, with 
blue eyes lighted from the skies and sparkling manner, 
rippling with joy, was on a visit to the town of Whatcom, 
now called Bellingham, Wash. He was pointed out to me 
at a distance as visiting in the State of Washington and be- 
ing from West Virginia; it was stated that he had some 
property possessions which he had come out to the State 
to view. I met this gentleman upon the only personal ac- 
quaintance I ever had with him previous to coming to the 
Senate. It appeared that he had gone out to the State of 
Washington with an interesting object, one we may detail 
here with pleasure. He had some poor relations. They 
were obscure and unknown; they were in poverty and in 
need. He had gone through poverty in his life and he had 
known need; and while to the outer world, sir, it was cer- 
tified that he had come to look over his land, he was 
missed for a day or two, and it was reported to me, not 
from his lips, on the morning of the evening I was to 
speak in the city in my own political campaign, that this 
man had been invited to take a place on the platform, 
but he would be late, and the reason given was he had 
gone out to this little village outside of the larger city to 
find his poor relations, to take the children and to arrange 
for their schooling, to take a deformed and paralyzed rel- 
ative and bring him to where he could be treated in the 
hospital, to purchase a very small home lor the woman of 
the house — to make them free at last from want. To do 
this godly act had been the mission for which he had trav- 
eled all these miles. This, sir, was the introduction I had 
with this gentleman called Wu.liam G. BitowN, and his 
mission to that State and his service in this charity and 
godliness were his acquaintance to me. 

[91] 



Memorial Addresses: Representative Bro\vn 

I came afterwards, sir, to the State of Illinois to make 
my home, and now am honored with the privilege of sit- 
ting with my fellows as the representative of that State 
here in the Senate. I met Congressman Brown from time 
to time after I came while he was serving here, repre- 
senting the State of West Virginia. We often, of course, 
referred to the occasion of his being out in this State 
when I was in this political campaign. I never knew him 
intimately. I never knew him that I might speak of him 
in such a manner as the distinguished Senator from West 
Virginia [Mr. Chilton], the charming and lovable gentle- 
man, the Senator from New Jersey [Mr. Hughes], who 
was his comrade in the House, or this my very excellent 
and beloved friend from Indiana [Mr. Kern] ; nor could 
I speak of him in the sense of philosophy that the emi- 
nent Senator from Minnesota [Mr. Clapp] discloses to- 
day. But, sir, I am permitted to say that I had the test 
which, I trust, if it shall be my misfortune to leave pub- 
lic life through the gates of death, those who know me 
would have some occasion to remember me by: It was 
for that personal charactertistic of kindness, that little, 
gentle speech that was encouraging, that manner that 
always greeted, the hand ever extended, a face glowing 
with a smile, an eye lighted with welcome, and a kindly 
nature that radiated warmth and joy and extended affec- 
tion to all. No man came within the radius of his touch 
but felt the glow of that warmth and the joy of that 
association. 

These personal virtues, sir, I have never a doubt, were 
what contributed to the successes referred to by these 
eminent men who knew him so intimately; for few men 
could have lived to the standard he displayed in his every- 
day life without receiving the rewards of his fellows in 
the honors of his country. 

Mr. President, it is such monuments as are built by these 
men for whom we speak and such certificates as we are 

[92] 



Addhkss of Mh. Lewis, of Illinois 



able to give whicli inspire young men to dream of lofty 
positions in government. They hope, when they may 
have earned the rewards of their fellows, to he certified 
as having deserved them. When we speak truthfully 
and justly of such men we say to the young man, "Live 
likewise; be worthy of the certificate of your fellows; and 
to the end that you do that it is necessary that you shall 
love your neighbors, serve your fellow man, be faithful 
to your country, responsible to your God." There is no 
higher mission; there is no nobler task. As I contemplate 
this man \V. G. Brown on this sacred Sabbath day where 
we are assembled to convert this Hall into the temple 
where we pay him this tribute I am pleased to recall 
that he seemed to me to personify all there was of that 
which St. James has said is religion pure and undefiled^ 
the help to the orphan who was helpless, the cheer and 
the succor to the widow who was hopeless, the kindliness 
to all nature, and help to all of God's children. This he 
performed without cant and without pretense; and thus 
he bore himself as 1 feel, sir, in the standard of a true 
man — loving his fellow man on earth and serving his 
God in heaven. I salute him in death as he was loved 
in life. 

Mr. Chilton. Mr. President, I ask for the adoption of 
the resolutions which I have offered. 

The resolutions were unanimously agreed to. 

Mr. Chilton. Mr. President, I move, as a further mark 
of respect to the mcmon,- of Mr. Finley, Mr. Tribble, Mr. 
Bhown, and Mr. Moss, that the Senate do now adjourn. 

The motion was unanimously agreed to, and (at 4 
o'clock and 5 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until 
to-morrow, Monday, February 26, 1917, at 11 o'clock a. m. 



9 

[93] 



